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<p>US President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Wednesday that he was "righting an historic wrong" by pardoning military personnel convicted under a law banning homosexuality in the armed forces for decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial, and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in a statement.</p>

<p>He said that with the gesture he was "ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation."</p>

<p>The decision specifically concerns Article 125 of the Code of Military Justice, dating from 1951 and made obsolete by Congress in 2013. It made sodomy between consenting adults a crime punishable by court-martial.</p>

<p>A senior US official told reporters that thousands of people could be eligible for pardons.</p>

<p>Along with the symbolism, anyone granted clemency will also be able to have their military documents amended -- which could in turn make them eligible for benefits they had previously been denied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States barred homosexual personnel from serving in the military until 1994, when a policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" went into effect.</p>

<p>That policy prevented service members from being asked about their sexual orientation, but still required gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel to remain closeted to avoid being dismissed from the military until its repeal in 2011.</p>

<p>In September 2023, the Defense Department announced that it would conduct a review to identify veterans who received other than honorable discharges -- which can affect access to benefits as well as harm employment prospects -- as a result of their sexual orientation, so their records can be corrected if merited.</p>


US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he was "righting an historic wrong" by pardoning military personnel convicted under a law banning homosexuality in the armed forces for decades.

US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he was "righting an historic wrong" by pardoning military personnel convicted under a law banning homosexuality in the armed forces for decades. "Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial, and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades," Biden said in a statement. He said that with the gesture he was "ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation." The decision specifically concerns Article 125 of the Code of Military Justice, dating from 1951 and made obsolete by Congress in 2013. It made sodomy between consenting adults a crime punishable by court-martial. A senior US official told reporters that thousands of people could be eligible for pardons. Along with the symbolism, anyone granted clemency will also be able to have their military documents amended -- which could in turn make them eligible for benefits they had previously been denied. The United States barred homosexual personnel from serving in the military until 1994, when a policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" went into effect. That policy prevented service members from being asked about their sexual orientation, but still required gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel to remain closeted to avoid being dismissed from the military until its repeal in 2011. In September 2023, the Defense Department announced that it would conduct a review to identify veterans who received other than honorable discharges -- which can affect access to benefits as well as harm employment prospects -- as a result of their sexual orientation, so their records can be corrected if merited.

Joe Biden to pardon US military personnel convicted of homosexuality

<p>United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are believed to have treated their various real estate holdings in Delaware as their personal ATM for years by using them for various mortgages and refinancing them for not less than 35 times, according to a report.</p>

<p>The couple, whose reported net worth is $10 million, have allegedly borrowed $6 million against their properties for many years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dealings over their homes in Delaware are likely to have started in the late 1970s just after Joe and Jill got married.</p>

<p>According to a report published in the Daily Mail, the mortgage or credit deals were negotiated by the couple after approximately every 17 months. Such frequent refinancing has left the finance experts puzzled.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gags-up-trump-gets-partial-reprieve-ahead-of-debate-with-joe-biden-735130">Gag's up! Trump gets partial reprieve ahead of debate with Joe Biden</a></p>

<p>“It doesn’t make a lot of sense unless they were desperate for cash,” said a finance expert, while speaking to Daily Mail.</p>

<p>The revelations made in the report have further added mystery to the financial past of his family as the president faces scrutiny over financial transactions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's murky financial transactions</strong></h2>

<p>The current residence of Bidens is a mansion which was purchased in 1996 and has an outstanding $541,000 mortgage after nearly three decades, as per records.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Why would anyone view their home as an ATM?” LA realtor Tony Mariotti said while speaking to the Daily Mail.</p>

<p>“Over time, mortgage fees really add up. Paying off a mortgage… is like a forced savings account that bears modest interest,” Mariotti added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the records, in 1996 the current four-acre spread was purchased by Bidens for $350,000 and they have since leveraged it with 20 different home credit agreements as well as mortgages totalling $4.23 million.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: Biden &amp; Trump prep for key Presidential debate</strong></p>

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<p>Bidens' other major property is a summer home in Rehoboth Beach which was purchased in 2017 for $2.74 million. It was a cash purchase and had no mortgages attached to it.</p>

<p>However, financial records of Bidens show that they have significant debt and have a mortgage on the Wilmington home as well as an equity loan on the same property.</p>

<p>The family's total liabilities fall between $350,000 and $850,000. Their estimated assets fall between $1 million and $2.6 million.</p>

<p>According to the records, the Bidens have&nbsp;sanctioned 13 home loans and two credit agreements between 1978 and 1994 which totals $1.72 million.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are believed to have treated their various real estate holdings in Delaware as their personal ATM for years by using them for various mortgages and refinancing them for not less than 35 times, according to a report.

United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are believed to have treated their various real estate holdings in Delaware as their personal ATM for years by using them for various mortgages and refinancing them for not less than 35 times, according to a report. The couple, whose reported net worth is $10 million, have allegedly borrowed $6 million against their properties for many years. The dealings over their homes in Delaware are likely to have started in the late 1970s just after Joe and Jill got married. According to a report published in the Daily Mail, the mortgage or credit deals were negotiated by the couple after approximately every 17 months. Such frequent refinancing has left the finance experts puzzled. Also Read: Gag's up! Trump gets partial reprieve ahead of debate with Joe Biden “It doesn’t make a lot of sense unless they were desperate for cash,” said a finance expert, while speaking to Daily Mail. The revelations made in the report have further added mystery to the financial past of his family as the president faces scrutiny over financial transactions. Biden's murky financial transactions The current residence of Bidens is a mansion which was purchased in 1996 and has an outstanding $541,000 mortgage after nearly three decades, as per records. “Why would anyone view their home as an ATM?” LA realtor Tony Mariotti said while speaking to the Daily Mail. “Over time, mortgage fees really add up. Paying off a mortgage… is like a forced savings account that bears modest interest,” Mariotti added. As per the records, in 1996 the current four-acre spread was purchased by Bidens for $350,000 and they have since leveraged it with 20 different home credit agreements as well as mortgages totalling $4.23 million. Watch: US: Biden & Trump prep for key Presidential debate Bidens' other major property is a summer home in Rehoboth Beach which was purchased in 2017 for $2.74 million. It was a cash purchase and had no mortgages attached to it. However, financial records of Bidens show that they have significant debt and have a mortgage on the Wilmington home as well as an equity loan on the same property. The family's total liabilities fall between $350,000 and $850,000. Their estimated assets fall between $1 million and $2.6 million. According to the records, the Bidens have sanctioned 13 home loans and two credit agreements between 1978 and 1994 which totals $1.72 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden turns his Delaware home into 'personal ATM', earns $4.2mn from $350K property: Report

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<p>Analysis indicates that throughout the general election campaign, Nigel Farage has outperformed all other parties and candidates on TikTok, surpassing those politicians who are most well-liked by youth.</p>

<p>Videos uploaded on the Reform leader's account have had more views and interaction than those on any other candidate's official accounts and the main channels of other parties since the election was announced, according to a report published in the Guardian.</p>

<p>With Farage appearing on podcasts targeted at young voters and making videos of himself mouthing Eminem lyrics, Reform has recently chosen to focus its campaign on younger people.</p>

<p>Though recent research indicates that Farage's party is drawing more younger members than the Tories, the shift in support for Reform is greatest among older voters. According to a YouGov study conducted on June 18, Reform has 11% support among 18- to 24-year-olds, while Conservatives have 5%.</p>

<p>The Labour Party's official account has uploaded more videos than the Reform leader's throughout the campaign's four weeks, and it has also had the most amount of views and total involvement, as shown by the number of likes, shares, and comments.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/westminster-honeytrap-scandal-man-in-mid-20s-arrested-on-suspicion-of-harassment-735391">Westminster honeytrap scandal: Man, in mid-20s, arrested on suspicion of harassment</a></strong></p>

<p>However, between May 22 and June 17, Farage's TikTok account posted the highest-performing content, greatly outperforming Labour on a per-video basis by 30% engagement and the Conservatives by more than double.</p>

<p>Guardian sought out TikTok accounts associated with major political parties and notable candidates across different affiliations, identifying approximately 500 profiles.</p>

<p>The report does not account for emotions it only records engagement. An account could be at the top of the list for both good and negative comments, but there is no evidence that this is the reason for Farage's success on the site.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;UK elections 2024: Rishi Sunak under fire over election bet scandal</strong></p>

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<p>Furthermore, the data revealed that throughout the election campaign, candidates in a third of the seats in Great Britain were actively utilising TikTok.</p>

<p>Reform has the second-highest TikTok post count after Labour. More than 900 videos have been released by Labour&nbsp;candidates and the official Labour party account during the campaign, nearly three times as many as the Conservatives have.</p>

<p>In contrast to the Conservatives' 355 films, Reform UK and its candidates have uploaded over 800 videos within the same time frame.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Analysis indicates that throughout the general election campaign, Nigel Farage has outperformed all other parties and candidates on TikTok, surpassing those politicians who are most well-liked by youth.

Analysis indicates that throughout the general election campaign, Nigel Farage has outperformed all other parties and candidates on TikTok, surpassing those politicians who are most well-liked by youth. Videos uploaded on the Reform leader's account have had more views and interaction than those on any other candidate's official accounts and the main channels of other parties since the election was announced, according to a report published in the Guardian. With Farage appearing on podcasts targeted at young voters and making videos of himself mouthing Eminem lyrics, Reform has recently chosen to focus its campaign on younger people. Though recent research indicates that Farage's party is drawing more younger members than the Tories, the shift in support for Reform is greatest among older voters. According to a YouGov study conducted on June 18, Reform has 11% support among 18- to 24-year-olds, while Conservatives have 5%. The Labour Party's official account has uploaded more videos than the Reform leader's throughout the campaign's four weeks, and it has also had the most amount of views and total involvement, as shown by the number of likes, shares, and comments. Also read: Westminster honeytrap scandal: Man, in mid-20s, arrested on suspicion of harassment However, between May 22 and June 17, Farage's TikTok account posted the highest-performing content, greatly outperforming Labour on a per-video basis by 30% engagement and the Conservatives by more than double. Guardian sought out TikTok accounts associated with major political parties and notable candidates across different affiliations, identifying approximately 500 profiles. The report does not account for emotions it only records engagement. An account could be at the top of the list for both good and negative comments, but there is no evidence that this is the reason for Farage's success on the site. Watch | UK elections 2024: Rishi Sunak under fire over election bet scandal × Furthermore, the data revealed that throughout the election campaign, candidates in a third of the seats in Great Britain were actively utilising TikTok. Reform has the second-highest TikTok post count after Labour. More than 900 videos have been released by Labour candidates and the official Labour party account during the campaign, nearly three times as many as the Conservatives have. In contrast to the Conservatives' 355 films, Reform UK and its candidates have uploaded over 800 videos within the same time frame. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigel Farage surpasses UK Political rivals on TikTok in election campaign

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US Court partially lifts Donald Trump's gag order ahead of 1st Presidential debate

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday (June 26) paid homage to Indian farm labourer Satnam Singh who succumbed to his injuries in a hospital after being abandoned roadside by his employer.</p>

<p>Italian Cabinet, including FM Antonio Tajani, stood up to pay tributes to Singh in the Italian Parliament.</p>

<p>Meloni calling Singh a victim of "inhuman acts" vowed strict punishments against the ones found guilty.</p>

<p>"These are inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people. I hope that this barbarity will be punished harshly,” she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Italian Parliament pays homage to Indian farm worker Satnam Singh who died in the country due to neglect by his employer. Italian Cabinet, including FM Antonio Tajani stand up to pay tributes.<a href="https://t.co/9tHNV5678D">pic.twitter.com/9tHNV5678D</a> <a href="https://t.co/8qWXO8AH8I">https://t.co/8qWXO8AH8I</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1805910777930649750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-farm-worker-in-italy-dies-after-employer-dump-him-on-roadside-with-severed-arm-733453">Also read:&nbsp;Indian farm worker in Italy dies after employer dumps him on roadside with severed arm</a></p>

<h2><strong>India calls for prompt action</strong></h2>

<p>India on Wednesday called for prompt action against the ones responsible for Singh's death.</p>

<p>The secretary (Consular Passport and Visa Division and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Muktesh Pardeshi raised the matter with Luigi Maria Vignali, Director General for Migratory Policies and Italians Abroad, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs.</p>

<p>Pardeshi said that the Indian Eembassy in Italy was in touch with Singh's family for consular assistance and repatriation of mortal remains.</p>

<p>"@SecretaryCPVOIA Muktesh Pardeshi conveyed to @LuigiVignali Italian DG our deep concern about death of Satnam Singh &amp; called for prompt action against those responsible. Embassy is in contact with family of Satnam Singh for consular help &amp;transportation of mortal remains @MEAIndia," the Indian embassy in Italy posted on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryCPVOIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecretaryCPVOIA</a> Muktesh Pardeshi conveyed to <a href="https://twitter.com/LuigiVignali?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LuigiVignali</a> Italian DG our deep concern about death of Satnam Singh &amp; called for prompt action against those responsible.Embassy is in contact with family of Satnam Singh for consular help &amp;transportation of mortal remains<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a></p>
— India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainItaly/status/1805897291657535763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh was abandoned roadside by his employer with a severed hand, following which he died in the hospital.</p>

<p>He sustained the injury while working on a farm in Latina, Italy, about 50 km from Rome. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead of receiving immediate medical attention, he was dumped near his house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident was condemned by Italy’s Labour Minister Marina Calderone as an "act of barbarity."</p>

<p>Addressing the Italian parliament, Minister Calderone said, "The Indian agricultural worker who suffered a serious accident in the countryside of Latina and was abandoned in very serious conditions...has died."</p>

<p>As per local media reports, Satnam, approximately 31 years old, was working without legal papers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was injured on Monday (June 17) while cutting hay, accidentally severing his arm in a slicing machine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to local sources, it was Singh's wife and friends who alerted the police, following which an air ambulance was dispatched to his residence.</p>

<p>The opposition Democratic Party of Italy also criticised the conditions under which Singh was forced to work.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday (June 26) paid homage to Indian farm labourer Satnam Singh who succumbed to his injuries in a hospital after being abandoned roadside by his employer.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday (June 26) paid homage to Indian farm labourer Satnam Singh who succumbed to his injuries in a hospital after being abandoned roadside by his employer. Italian Cabinet, including FM Antonio Tajani, stood up to pay tributes to Singh in the Italian Parliament. Meloni calling Singh a victim of "inhuman acts" vowed strict punishments against the ones found guilty. "These are inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people. I hope that this barbarity will be punished harshly,” she said. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Italian Parliament pays homage to Indian farm worker Satnam Singh who died in the country due to neglect by his employer. Italian Cabinet, including FM Antonio Tajani stand up to pay tributes.pic.twitter.com/9tHNV5678D https://t.co/8qWXO8AH8I — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 26, 2024 × Also read: Indian farm worker in Italy dies after employer dumps him on roadside with severed arm India calls for prompt action India on Wednesday called for prompt action against the ones responsible for Singh's death. The secretary (Consular Passport and Visa Division and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Muktesh Pardeshi raised the matter with Luigi Maria Vignali, Director General for Migratory Policies and Italians Abroad, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Pardeshi said that the Indian Eembassy in Italy was in touch with Singh's family for consular assistance and repatriation of mortal remains. "@SecretaryCPVOIA Muktesh Pardeshi conveyed to @LuigiVignali Italian DG our deep concern about death of Satnam Singh & called for prompt action against those responsible. Embassy is in contact with family of Satnam Singh for consular help &transportation of mortal remains @MEAIndia," the Indian embassy in Italy posted on X. @SecretaryCPVOIA Muktesh Pardeshi conveyed to @LuigiVignali Italian DG our deep concern about death of Satnam Singh & called for prompt action against those responsible.Embassy is in contact with family of Satnam Singh for consular help &transportation of mortal remains@MEAIndia — India in Italy (@IndiainItaly) June 26, 2024 × Singh was abandoned roadside by his employer with a severed hand, following which he died in the hospital. He sustained the injury while working on a farm in Latina, Italy, about 50 km from Rome. Instead of receiving immediate medical attention, he was dumped near his house. The incident was condemned by Italy’s Labour Minister Marina Calderone as an "act of barbarity." Addressing the Italian parliament, Minister Calderone said, "The Indian agricultural worker who suffered a serious accident in the countryside of Latina and was abandoned in very serious conditions...has died." As per local media reports, Satnam, approximately 31 years old, was working without legal papers. He was injured on Monday (June 17) while cutting hay, accidentally severing his arm in a slicing machine. According to local sources, it was Singh's wife and friends who alerted the police, following which an air ambulance was dispatched to his residence. The opposition Democratic Party of Italy also criticised the conditions under which Singh was forced to work. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian PM Meloni pays homage to Indian farm worker killed in Latina, condemns 'inhumane act'

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<p>WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday (Jun 26) pleaded guilty in a US court to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information. The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands. The location was chosen as Assange didn't agree to travel to the continental US. Additionally, the Mariana Islands lie close to his home nation Australia, where Assange will finally be heading to.</p>

<p>“I am, in fact, guilty of the charge,” Assange told the court.</p>

<h2><strong>Assange's crime</strong></h2>

<p>When asked by Judge Ramona Manglona about his crime, Assange said, "Working as a journalist, I encouraged my source to provide information that was said to be classified in order to publish that information. I believe that the First Amendment protected that activity… I believe the First Amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction with each other, but I accept that it would be difficult to win such a case given all these circumstances.”</p>

<p>Towards the end, the judge declared the case had finally ended in the court and that Assange would walk from here a free man.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjSjsrum_iGAxUzhq8BHR6gAGkQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-flying-to-saipan-a-remote-pacific-island-734986" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-flying-to-saipan-a-remote-pacific-island-734986&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjSjsrum_iGAxUzhq8BHR6gAGkQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Why is WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange flying to Saipan, a remote Pacific island?</a></strong></p>

<p>"For these reasons ... on the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release".</p>

<p>“With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added.</p>

<h2><strong>The plea deal</strong></h2>

<p>Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks.</p>

<p>The plea deal bypasses a tedious trial process and potential prison term for Assange in the US, who has been on the wanted list since 2010 after he publicised US classified documents.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will plead guilty with the US Justice Department</strong></p>

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<p>Following his release, Assange is expected to travel back to Australia. Meanwhile, the Australian government has lauded the proceedings, saying the case had "dragged on for too long." It's understood that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had raised Assange’s case when he visited the White House last October.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday (Jun 26) pleaded guilty in a US court to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday (Jun 26) pleaded guilty in a US court to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information. The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands. The location was chosen as Assange didn't agree to travel to the continental US. Additionally, the Mariana Islands lie close to his home nation Australia, where Assange will finally be heading to. “I am, in fact, guilty of the charge,” Assange told the court. Assange's crime When asked by Judge Ramona Manglona about his crime, Assange said, "Working as a journalist, I encouraged my source to provide information that was said to be classified in order to publish that information. I believe that the First Amendment protected that activity… I believe the First Amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction with each other, but I accept that it would be difficult to win such a case given all these circumstances.” Towards the end, the judge declared the case had finally ended in the court and that Assange would walk from here a free man. Also read: Why is WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange flying to Saipan, a remote Pacific island? "For these reasons ... on the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release". “With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added. The plea deal Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks. The plea deal bypasses a tedious trial process and potential prison term for Assange in the US, who has been on the wanted list since 2010 after he publicised US classified documents. Watch:WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will plead guilty with the US Justice Department × Following his release, Assange is expected to travel back to Australia. Meanwhile, the Australian government has lauded the proceedings, saying the case had "dragged on for too long." It's understood that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had raised Assange’s case when he visited the White House last October. (With inputs from agencies)

Judge declares Julian Assange 'a free man' as he pleads guilty in WikiLeaks espionage case

<p>Julian Assange's wife Stella said that the Wikileaks founder needed some time to recover after he spent more than five years in a British high-security prison and seven years in asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy in London.</p>

<p>Assange, who was expected to attend a news conference upon his arrival in Australia on Wednesday (June 26), did not speak to the reporters as his wife said, "You have to understand, he needs time, he needs to recuperate, and this is a process."</p>

<p>"I ask you please to give us space, to give us privacy, to find our place, to let our family be a family before he can speak again at a time of his choosing," she further said.</p>

<p>Assange, who was aboard a private jet, landed in Canberra and upon arrival greeted his supporters and kissed his wife.</p>

<p>"He just arrived in Australia after being in a high-security prison for over five years and a long 72-hour flight, or something like that -- it's premature," Stella Assange said.</p>

<p>"Julian has to recover, that's the priority, and the fact is that Julian will always defend human rights, will always defend victims, and that is just part of who he is," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-declares-julian-assange-a-free-man-as-he-pleads-guilty-in-wikileaks-espionage-case-735141">Judge declares Julian Assange 'a free man' as he pleads guilty in WikiLeaks espionage case</a></p>

<h2><strong>Australia PM Albanese thanks US and UK for Assange's release</strong></h2>

<p>Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday (June 26) thanked the United Kingdom and the United States for their cooperation in securing the release of Assange.</p>

<p>"Assange’s case has dragged on for too long. I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration," he said.</p>

<p>Upon the Wikileaks founder's landing in the country, Albanese addressed the media and said he had a word with the free speech champion and he will now be reunited with his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Earlier tonight, I was pleased to speak with Mr Assange to welcome him home. And had the opportunity to ask about his health and to have my first discussion with him," Albanese said.</p>

<p>"His safe returned to Australia we know, means so much to his family. His wife Stella, his children, who he is looking forward to playing with like any dad and his parents, Christine and John," he added.</p>

<p>"It is yet another example of why mature, calibrated, and consistent engagement with our partners is the best way to get results in Australia’s national interest"</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Assange appeared in a US court and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information.</p>

<p>The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands.</p>

<p>As Judge Ramona Manglona adjourned the hearing, she declared Assange would walk from here a free man.</p>

<p>"On the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release".</p>

<p>“With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added.</p>

<p>Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Julian Assange's wife Stella said that the Wikileaks founder needed some time to recover after he spent more than five years in a British high-security prison and seven years in asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

Julian Assange's wife Stella said that the Wikileaks founder needed some time to recover after he spent more than five years in a British high-security prison and seven years in asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy in London. Assange, who was expected to attend a news conference upon his arrival in Australia on Wednesday (June 26), did not speak to the reporters as his wife said, "You have to understand, he needs time, he needs to recuperate, and this is a process." "I ask you please to give us space, to give us privacy, to find our place, to let our family be a family before he can speak again at a time of his choosing," she further said. Assange, who was aboard a private jet, landed in Canberra and upon arrival greeted his supporters and kissed his wife. "He just arrived in Australia after being in a high-security prison for over five years and a long 72-hour flight, or something like that -- it's premature," Stella Assange said. "Julian has to recover, that's the priority, and the fact is that Julian will always defend human rights, will always defend victims, and that is just part of who he is," she added. Also read: Judge declares Julian Assange 'a free man' as he pleads guilty in WikiLeaks espionage case Australia PM Albanese thanks US and UK for Assange's release Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday (June 26) thanked the United Kingdom and the United States for their cooperation in securing the release of Assange. "Assange’s case has dragged on for too long. I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration," he said. Upon the Wikileaks founder's landing in the country, Albanese addressed the media and said he had a word with the free speech champion and he will now be reunited with his family. "Earlier tonight, I was pleased to speak with Mr Assange to welcome him home. And had the opportunity to ask about his health and to have my first discussion with him," Albanese said. "His safe returned to Australia we know, means so much to his family. His wife Stella, his children, who he is looking forward to playing with like any dad and his parents, Christine and John," he added. "It is yet another example of why mature, calibrated, and consistent engagement with our partners is the best way to get results in Australia’s national interest" Earlier in the day, Assange appeared in a US court and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information. The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands. As Judge Ramona Manglona adjourned the hearing, she declared Assange would walk from here a free man. "On the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release". “With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added. Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks. (With inputs from agencies)

'Julian Assange needs space to recuperate,' says wife Stella upon his landing in Australia

<p>Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday (June 26) declined to sign the contentious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyan-protests-erupt-over-controversial-finance-bill-what-is-it-735068">Finance Bill </a>2024 into law, sending it back to parliament. He said that the bill would be 'withdrawn'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill, which aimed to raise taxes by $2.7 billion, sparked nationwide protests that turned violent, leading to at least 23 deaths and extensive property damage, including the storming of parliament buildings.</p>

<p>"I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn," Ruto reportedly told a press briefing. "The people&nbsp;have&nbsp;spoken," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/westminster-honeytrap-scandal-man-in-mid-20s-arrested-on-suspicion-of-harassment-735391">Westminster honeytrap scandal: Man, in mid-20s, arrested on suspicion of harassment</a></p>

<p>The protests against the finance bill have been described as one of the most severe challenges to the Ruto administration since it took office nearly two years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unrest has also strained public sentiment towards Ruto's leadership, with some drawing parallels between his actions and the era of former President Daniel arap Moi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>With parliament set to go on recess, the speaker may have to recall lawmakers to address the president's proposed amendments to the finance bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unrest in Kenya shows the deep discontent among citizens over the government's economic policies, which are seen as favouring lenders like the IMF over the needs of the population.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the finance bill?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The bill includes imposing a 16 per cent tax on basic goods and services such as bread, transportation of sugarcane, financial services and foreign exchange transactions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-us-defence-ministers-talk-on-phone-735388">Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone</a></strong></p>

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<p>It also includes introducing a 2.5 per cent tax on motor vehicles and increasing the excise duty on mobile money payments from 15 per cent to 20 per cent.</p>

<p>After some amendments to the bill, such as removing the tax on basic goods and reducing the mobile money tax increase, the Kenyan parliament ultimately passed the finance bill on June 20.</p>

<p>This led to further nationwide protests, with demonstrators storming the parliament building and clashing with security forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday (June 26) declined to sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024 into law, sending it back to parliament. He said that the bill would be 'withdrawn'.

Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday (June 26) declined to sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024 into law, sending it back to parliament. He said that the bill would be 'withdrawn'. The bill, which aimed to raise taxes by $2.7 billion, sparked nationwide protests that turned violent, leading to at least 23 deaths and extensive property damage, including the storming of parliament buildings. "I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn," Ruto reportedly told a press briefing. "The people have spoken," he added. Also Read | Westminster honeytrap scandal: Man, in mid-20s, arrested on suspicion of harassment The protests against the finance bill have been described as one of the most severe challenges to the Ruto administration since it took office nearly two years ago. The unrest has also strained public sentiment towards Ruto's leadership, with some drawing parallels between his actions and the era of former President Daniel arap Moi. Also Read | Hong Kong LGBTQ couples seek love, recognition in mass wedding With parliament set to go on recess, the speaker may have to recall lawmakers to address the president's proposed amendments to the finance bill. The unrest in Kenya shows the deep discontent among citizens over the government's economic policies, which are seen as favouring lenders like the IMF over the needs of the population. What is the finance bill? The bill includes imposing a 16 per cent tax on basic goods and services such as bread, transportation of sugarcane, financial services and foreign exchange transactions. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone × It also includes introducing a 2.5 per cent tax on motor vehicles and increasing the excise duty on mobile money payments from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. After some amendments to the bill, such as removing the tax on basic goods and reducing the mobile money tax increase, the Kenyan parliament ultimately passed the finance bill on June 20. This led to further nationwide protests, with demonstrators storming the parliament building and clashing with security forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya's finance bill to be 'withdrawn', says President Ruto after rejecting it amid nationwide protests

Julian Assange has pleaded guilty to a single felony charge for publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that secures his freedom and concludes a drawn-out legal saga that raised divisive questions about press freedom and national security.

Julian Assange pleads guilty in WikiLeaks espionage case

Haiti Prime Minister has vowed to end lawlessness with the help of a Kenyan Le International Force deployed to the Caribbean Nation. The arrival of 400 Kenyan police officers and forces is an opportunity to restore order says the interim prime minister.

Haiti: First Kenyan police officers arrive to tackle gang violence

Kenyan President William Ruto has declined to sign a highly contentious finance bill that has sparked Nationwide protests he has sent the bill back to the Parliament for amendments after violent clashes outside the Parliament and across the country.

Kenyan President Ruto declines to sign finance bill following violent protests

There has been much debate about exactly what Israel's plans for a post-war Gaza would look like. Israel's ex-NSA Eyal Hulata speaks on post-war Gaza and much more.

Israel's Ex-NSA Eyal Hulata on post war Gaza

Julian Assange's long-running legal Odyssey has moved around the world from the United States of America to the United Kingdom, Sweden Australia and now after 14 years Assange has pleaded guilty in a US court in Saipan the question being why did the hearing to free Assange happen on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific.

Julian Assange case hearing: Why a tiny pacific island hosted the hearing?

Russia-Ukraine war: Did a Russian jet down a US drone?

<p>Police&nbsp;investigating a honeytrap plot that targeted several men in political circles have made an arrest in London. The Metropolitan Police apprehended a man in Islington, north London, on Wednesday (June 26) on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act.</p>

<p>The inquiry began in April after it was revealed that around 12 men associated with Westminster had received unsolicited flirtatious messages, often involving the exchange of explicit images, in a sexting scam.</p>

<p>"A man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act. He was taken into custody where he remains," a Met Police spokesperson said adding, "The arrest relates to an investigation being carried out by the Met’s Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team following reports of unsolicited messages sent to MPs and others.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-lgbtq-couples-seek-love-recognition-in-mass-wedding-735362">Hong Kong LGBTQ couples seek love, recognition in mass wedding</a></p>

<p>The arrested individual is in his mid-twenties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The perpetrators reportedly used aliases like "Charlie" and "Abi" to coax MPs and other political figures into sharing compromising photos.</p>

<p>One of the victims was former senior Conservative MP William Wragg, who resigned his party membership after admitting to sharing colleagues' contact details with a suspected scammer out of fear that private images of himself would be leaked.</p>

<p>"They had compromising things on me. They wouldn't leave me alone... I gave them some numbers, not all of them," Wragg had said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Another target, Dr Luke Evans, urged a full review of Parliament's procedures for handling incidents reported by MPs after also falling victim to the scheme.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation continues</strong></h2>

<p>The scandal touched as many as 20 individuals within political spheres who were believed to have been recipients of unsolicited messages, underscoring the widespread impact of the illicit communications.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-us-defence-ministers-talk-on-phone-warns-of-escalation-ukraine-735390">Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone, warns of escalation Ukraine</a></strong></p>

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<p>The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the honeytrap plot and its consequences for those targeted. The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of public figures to such schemes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Police investigating a honeytrap plot that targeted several men in political circles have made an arrest in London. The Metropolitan Police apprehended a man in Islington, north London, on Wednesday (June 26) on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act.

Police investigating a honeytrap plot that targeted several men in political circles have made an arrest in London. The Metropolitan Police apprehended a man in Islington, north London, on Wednesday (June 26) on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act. The inquiry began in April after it was revealed that around 12 men associated with Westminster had received unsolicited flirtatious messages, often involving the exchange of explicit images, in a sexting scam. "A man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act. He was taken into custody where he remains," a Met Police spokesperson said adding, "The arrest relates to an investigation being carried out by the Met’s Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team following reports of unsolicited messages sent to MPs and others. Also Read | Hong Kong LGBTQ couples seek love, recognition in mass wedding The arrested individual is in his mid-twenties. The perpetrators reportedly used aliases like "Charlie" and "Abi" to coax MPs and other political figures into sharing compromising photos. One of the victims was former senior Conservative MP William Wragg, who resigned his party membership after admitting to sharing colleagues' contact details with a suspected scammer out of fear that private images of himself would be leaked. "They had compromising things on me. They wouldn't leave me alone... I gave them some numbers, not all of them," Wragg had said. Also Read | US soldier charged in Japan's Okinawa for rape of minor Another target, Dr Luke Evans, urged a full review of Parliament's procedures for handling incidents reported by MPs after also falling victim to the scheme. Investigation continues The scandal touched as many as 20 individuals within political spheres who were believed to have been recipients of unsolicited messages, underscoring the widespread impact of the illicit communications. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone, warns of escalation Ukraine × The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the honeytrap plot and its consequences for those targeted. The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of public figures to such schemes. (With inputs from agencies)

Westminster honeytrap scandal: Man, in mid-20s, arrested on suspicion of harassment

<p>Thousands of Indian farm labourers urged an end to "slavery" in Italy on Tuesday after the gruesome death of a worker shone a light on the brutal exploitation of undocumented migrants.</p>

<p>Satnam Singh, 31, who had been working without legal papers, died last week after his arm was sliced off by a machine. The farmer he was working for dumped him by the road, along with his severed limb.</p>

<p>"He was thrown out like a dog. There is exploitation every day, we suffer it every day, it must end now," said Gurmukh Singh, head of the Indian community in the Lazio region of central Italy.</p>

<p>"We come here to work, not to die," he told AFP.</p>

<p>Children held up colourful signs reading "Justice for Satnam Singh" as the procession snaked through Latina, a city in a rural area south of Rome that is home to tens of thousands of Indian migrant workers.</p>

<p>Indians have worked in the Agro Pontino -- the Pontine Marshes -- since the mid-1980s, harvesting pumpkins, leeks, beans and tomatoes, and working on flower farms or in buffalo mozzarella production.</p>

<p>Singh's death is being investigated, but it has sparked a wider debate in Italy over how to tackle systemic abuses in the agriculture sector, where use of undocumented workers and their abuse by farmers or gangmasters is rife.</p>

<p>"Satnam died in one day, I die every day. Because I too am a labour victim," said Parambar Singh, whose eye was seriously hurt in a work accident.</p>

<p>"My boss said he couldn't take me to hospital because I didn't have a contract," said the 33-year-old, who has struggled to work since.</p>

<p>"I have been waiting 10 months for justice," he said.</p>

<p>The workers get paid an average of 20 euros ($21) a day for up to 14 hours labour, according to the Osservatorio Placido Rizzotto, which analyses working conditions in the agriculture industry.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Protests in Italy after death of Indian farm labourer Satnam Singh, PM Meloni deplores tragedy</strong></p>

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<p>Far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sought to reduce the number of undocumented migrants to Italy, while increasing pathways for legal migration for non-EU workers to tackle labour shortages.</p>

<p>But according to the Confagricoltura Agribusiness Association, only around 30 per cent of workers given a visa actually travel to Italy, meaning there are never enough labourers to meet farmers' needs.</p>

<p>This month, Meloni said Italy's visa system was being exploited by organised crime groups to smuggle in illegal migrants.</p>

<p>She condemned the circumstances of Singh's death, saying they were "inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi-0c2noviGAxUcavUHHVuRDRoQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-farm-worker-in-italy-dies-after-employer-dump-him-on-roadside-with-severed-arm-733453" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-farm-worker-in-italy-dies-after-employer-dump-him-on-roadside-with-severed-arm-733453&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-0c2noviGAxUcavUHHVuRDRoQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Indian farm worker in Italy dies after employer dumps him on roadside with severed arm</a></strong></p>

<p>"I hope that this barbarism will be harshly punished," she told her cabinet ministers last week.<br />
Italy's financial police identified nearly 60,000 undocumented workers from January 2023 to June 2024.</p>

<p>But Italy's largest trade union CGIL estimates that as many as 230,000 people -- over a quarter of the country's seasonal agricultural workers -- do not have a contract.</p>

<p>While some are Italian, most are undocumented foreigners.</p>

<p>Female workers fare particularly badly, earning even less than their male counterparts and in some cases suffering sexual exploitation, it says.</p>

<p>"We all need regular job contracts, not to be trapped in this slavery," said Kaur Akveer, a 37-year-old who was part of a group of women in colourful saris marching behind the community leaders.</p>


Thousands of Indian farm labourers urged an end to "slavery" in Italy on Tuesday after the gruesome death of a worker shone a light on the brutal exploitation of undocumented migrants.

Thousands of Indian farm labourers urged an end to "slavery" in Italy on Tuesday after the gruesome death of a worker shone a light on the brutal exploitation of undocumented migrants. Satnam Singh, 31, who had been working without legal papers, died last week after his arm was sliced off by a machine. The farmer he was working for dumped him by the road, along with his severed limb. "He was thrown out like a dog. There is exploitation every day, we suffer it every day, it must end now," said Gurmukh Singh, head of the Indian community in the Lazio region of central Italy. "We come here to work, not to die," he told AFP. Children held up colourful signs reading "Justice for Satnam Singh" as the procession snaked through Latina, a city in a rural area south of Rome that is home to tens of thousands of Indian migrant workers. Indians have worked in the Agro Pontino -- the Pontine Marshes -- since the mid-1980s, harvesting pumpkins, leeks, beans and tomatoes, and working on flower farms or in buffalo mozzarella production. Singh's death is being investigated, but it has sparked a wider debate in Italy over how to tackle systemic abuses in the agriculture sector, where use of undocumented workers and their abuse by farmers or gangmasters is rife. "Satnam died in one day, I die every day. Because I too am a labour victim," said Parambar Singh, whose eye was seriously hurt in a work accident. "My boss said he couldn't take me to hospital because I didn't have a contract," said the 33-year-old, who has struggled to work since. "I have been waiting 10 months for justice," he said. The workers get paid an average of 20 euros ($21) a day for up to 14 hours labour, according to the Osservatorio Placido Rizzotto, which analyses working conditions in the agriculture industry. Watch: Protests in Italy after death of Indian farm labourer Satnam Singh, PM Meloni deplores tragedy × Far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sought to reduce the number of undocumented migrants to Italy, while increasing pathways for legal migration for non-EU workers to tackle labour shortages. But according to the Confagricoltura Agribusiness Association, only around 30 per cent of workers given a visa actually travel to Italy, meaning there are never enough labourers to meet farmers' needs. This month, Meloni said Italy's visa system was being exploited by organised crime groups to smuggle in illegal migrants. She condemned the circumstances of Singh's death, saying they were "inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people". Also read: Indian farm worker in Italy dies after employer dumps him on roadside with severed arm "I hope that this barbarism will be harshly punished," she told her cabinet ministers last week. Italy's financial police identified nearly 60,000 undocumented workers from January 2023 to June 2024. But Italy's largest trade union CGIL estimates that as many as 230,000 people -- over a quarter of the country's seasonal agricultural workers -- do not have a contract. While some are Italian, most are undocumented foreigners. Female workers fare particularly badly, earning even less than their male counterparts and in some cases suffering sexual exploitation, it says. "We all need regular job contracts, not to be trapped in this slavery," said Kaur Akveer, a 37-year-old who was part of a group of women in colourful saris marching behind the community leaders.

Indian farmers in Italy press Meloni government to end 'slavery'

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin met his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon on Tuesday. During the meeting Austin warned that a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah can spark a regional war. Watch in for more details!

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says, 'Israel-Hezbollah conflict could spark regional war'

<p>WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday (Jun 26) landed in Canberra where a large contingent of media reporters had gathered. Upon landing in Australia, he greeted his supporters and kissed his wife.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Julian Assange greets his supporters at the fence and kisses his wife after touching down a free man <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/HQ4JbyWKvH">pic.twitter.com/HQ4JbyWKvH</a></p>
— Sarah Basford Canales (@sbasfordcanales) <a href="https://twitter.com/sbasfordcanales/status/1805903932721664153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per&nbsp;reports, he may&nbsp;address the media at 9:15 pm (local time) or 4:45 pm IST.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, WikiLeaks had shared an image of Assange on the plane, showing him talking to his wife Stella over the phone.</p>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was satisfied with what his government had achieved for Assange.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Assange’s case has dragged on for too long. I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration," he said.</p>

<p>After Assange's landing, the PM addressed the media and said he had a word with the free speech champion and he will now be reunited with his family. The prime minister also expressed gratitude towards the US and UK.</p>

<p>"Earlier tonight, I was pleased to speak with Mr Assange to welcome him home. And had the opportunity to ask about his health and to have my first discussion with him," Albanese said.</p>

<p>"His safe returned to Australia we know, means so much to his family. His wife Stella, his children, who he is looking forward to playing with like any dad and his parents, Christine and John," he added.</p>

<p>"It is yet another example of why mature, calibrated, and consistent engagement with our partners is the best way to get results in Australia’s national interest"</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Assange appeared in a US court and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information.</p>

<p>The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands.</p>

<p>As Judge Ramona Manglona adjourned the hearing, she declared Assange would walk from here a free man.</p>

<p>"On the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release".</p>

<p>“With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added.</p>

<p>Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday (Jun 26) landed in Canberra where a large contingent of media reporters had gathered. Upon landing in Australia, he greeted his supporters and kissed his wife.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday (Jun 26) landed in Canberra where a large contingent of media reporters had gathered. Upon landing in Australia, he greeted his supporters and kissed his wife. Julian Assange greets his supporters at the fence and kisses his wife after touching down a free man #auspol pic.twitter.com/HQ4JbyWKvH — Sarah Basford Canales (@sbasfordcanales) June 26, 2024 × As per reports, he may address the media at 9:15 pm (local time) or 4:45 pm IST. Earlier, WikiLeaks had shared an image of Assange on the plane, showing him talking to his wife Stella over the phone. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was satisfied with what his government had achieved for Assange. "Assange’s case has dragged on for too long. I have said repeatedly that there was nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration," he said. After Assange's landing, the PM addressed the media and said he had a word with the free speech champion and he will now be reunited with his family. The prime minister also expressed gratitude towards the US and UK. "Earlier tonight, I was pleased to speak with Mr Assange to welcome him home. And had the opportunity to ask about his health and to have my first discussion with him," Albanese said. "His safe returned to Australia we know, means so much to his family. His wife Stella, his children, who he is looking forward to playing with like any dad and his parents, Christine and John," he added. "It is yet another example of why mature, calibrated, and consistent engagement with our partners is the best way to get results in Australia’s national interest" Earlier in the day, Assange appeared in a US court and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence information. The plea deal, which has ended years of legal battles and made him a free man, was entered at a US District Court on the Northern Mariana Islands. As Judge Ramona Manglona adjourned the hearing, she declared Assange would walk from here a free man. "On the basis of this very serious espionage case against you ... I am in fact sentencing you to a period of time served," the judge said, adding, "I am not imposing any period of supervised release". “With this pronouncement, it appears you will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man. I hope there will be some peace restored,” Judge Manglona added. Under the plea deal, the 52-year-old will be required to destroy information provided to WikiLeaks. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's plane lands in Canberra; Australia PM lauds US, UK

<p>Japan's government is calling for increased supervision of US troops stationed in the country after a US soldier was charged over the alleged sexual assault of a Japanese teenager in Okinawa.</p>

<p>The prosecutors in the southern island region charged the US soldier in March, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Tuesday (June 25).</p>

<p>According to the local media, the 25-year-old man allegedly assaulted her on 24 December and he was identified through security camera footage after the girls' family reported it.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-uk-royalty-ties-japanese-emperor-empress-begins-uk-visit-world-news-wion-734386" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-uk-royalty-ties-japanese-emperor-empress-begins-uk-visit-world-news-wion-734386&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiA3qnfnPmGAxWGSGwGHa5dDjoQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0HHEJkzMJHgCICwrSGZ9F9&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-uk-royalty-ties-japanese-emperor-empress-begins-uk-visit-world-news-wion-734386" target="_blank"><b>Japan</b>-UK royalty ties:&nbsp;<b>Japanese</b>&nbsp;Emperor &amp; Empress begins UK visit</a></p>

<p>The Japanese government expressed regret to US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel over the incident and called for stronger oversight of behaviour by military personnel, Hayashi said.</p>

<p>Okinawa, despite comprising just 0.6 percent of Japan's land area, accommodates approximately 70% of all US military bases and facilities in the country. The islands are home to more than half of the 54,000 US soldiers serving in Japan.</p>

<p>Residents have faced numerous issues stemming from these bases, including pollution, noise, and helicopter crashes, leading to widespread complaints about bearing the primary burden of hosting troops.</p>

<p>Notably, in 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US soldiers in Okinawa prompted widespread calls for a change of a 1960 pact that outlined the legal status of Japan-based US military personnel.</p>

<p>Okinawa governor Denny Tamaki said, “The act committed against a minor not only instills fear among local residents coexisting with US bases but also violates the dignity of women.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-joins-us-in-sanctioning-china-over-support-for-russias-war-733823" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-joins-us-in-sanctioning-china-over-support-for-russias-war-733823&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiA3qnfnPmGAxWGSGwGHa5dDjoQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LOIWrkoJ1jPgG7akxv1lA&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-joins-us-in-sanctioning-china-over-support-for-russias-war-733823" target="_blank"><b>Japan</b>&nbsp;joins US in sanctioning China over support for Russia's war</a></p>

<p>"The extreme burden of hosting military bases is an everyday matter for us, and is intolerable," he added.</p>

<p>A nationwide poll conducted by broadcaster NHK in 2022 revealed that 80% of Japanese view the current disproportionate distribution of United States forces as wrong or somewhat wrong.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's government is calling for increased supervision of US troops stationed in the country after a US soldier was charged over the alleged sexual assault of a Japanese teenager in Okinawa.

Japan's government is calling for increased supervision of US troops stationed in the country after a US soldier was charged over the alleged sexual assault of a Japanese teenager in Okinawa. The prosecutors in the southern island region charged the US soldier in March, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Tuesday (June 25). According to the local media, the 25-year-old man allegedly assaulted her on 24 December and he was identified through security camera footage after the girls' family reported it. Also read: Japan-UK royalty ties: Japanese Emperor & Empress begins UK visit The Japanese government expressed regret to US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel over the incident and called for stronger oversight of behaviour by military personnel, Hayashi said. Okinawa, despite comprising just 0.6 percent of Japan's land area, accommodates approximately 70% of all US military bases and facilities in the country. The islands are home to more than half of the 54,000 US soldiers serving in Japan. Residents have faced numerous issues stemming from these bases, including pollution, noise, and helicopter crashes, leading to widespread complaints about bearing the primary burden of hosting troops. Notably, in 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US soldiers in Okinawa prompted widespread calls for a change of a 1960 pact that outlined the legal status of Japan-based US military personnel. Okinawa governor Denny Tamaki said, “The act committed against a minor not only instills fear among local residents coexisting with US bases but also violates the dignity of women.” Also read: Japan joins US in sanctioning China over support for Russia's war "The extreme burden of hosting military bases is an everyday matter for us, and is intolerable," he added. A nationwide poll conducted by broadcaster NHK in 2022 revealed that 80% of Japanese view the current disproportionate distribution of United States forces as wrong or somewhat wrong. (With inputs from agencies)

US soldier charged in Japan's Okinawa for rape of minor

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Jun 25) said that the spread of mpox in Africa needs to be addressed urgently. The scientists warned separately of a "dangerous strain" in the Democratic Republic of Congo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by the news agency Reuters, Rosamund Lewis, the WHO's technical lead for mpox, said in a briefing note to journalists: "There is a critical need to address the recent surge in mpox cases in Africa."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mpox is a viral illness transmitted through close contact with infected humans or animals, as well as via materials such as contaminated sheets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-first-skull-implanted-epilepsy-device-transforms-uk-boys-life-reduces-daytime-seizures-by-80-percent-734784">Epilepsy device implanted in UK boy’s skull reduces daytime seizures by 80 per cent</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The disease led to painful and scarring lesions, principally to the face, anus and genitals. Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The health experts who are dealing with the outbreak called for urgent action in order to contain the spread of a new strain of mpox.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strain that was spreading there was quite dangerous as it was a modified strain of the clade I mpox that had been endemic in the Congo for decades, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its mortality rates are reported to be approximately 10 per cent&nbsp;for children and five per cent&nbsp;for adults.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-finally-discover-enzyme-that-can-slow-ageing-and-boost-health-734619">Researchers finally discover enzyme that can slow ageing and boost health</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"It's undoubtedly the most dangerous so far of all the known strains of mpox considering how it is transmitted, how it is spread and also the symptoms," said&nbsp;John Claude Udahemuka at the University of Rwanda during a separate briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Leandre Murhula Masirika of the South Kivu health department, the new strain was first identified in the small mining town of Kamituga in South Kivu province in the east of the DRC in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strain has spread to cities in the area in recent weeks and may already have reached neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cris Kacita, the doctor in charge of operations in the country’s mpox control programme, told Reuters last week that roughly 8,600 mpox cases have been reported in Congo and 410 deaths so far this year.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">📢Now out -🎙️Episode 3 - Not If But When: Mpox<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mpox?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mpox</a> hasn't been in the headlines recently, but it certainly hasn't gone away. Dr Rosamund Lewis, Technical Lead, global mpox response, <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a>, updates us on the current situation.<br />
<br />
More in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/podcast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#podcast</a>👇<br />
🔗 <a href="https://t.co/7L15QUgNEy">https://t.co/7L15QUgNEy</a> <a href="https://t.co/IIGy451bys">pic.twitter.com/IIGy451bys</a></p>
— WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO_Europe/status/1805890517135180214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">South Africa records third mpox death, cases on the rise in Africa<br />
<br />
“Today, mpox remains a public health threat as the situation continues to evolve,“ Rosamund Lewis, WHO technical lead for the infectious disease, said at a UN news conference in Geneva.<a href="https://t.co/4YDe75BtU4">https://t.co/4YDe75BtU4</a></p>
— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVID19_disease/status/1805819230484394245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤔 Can I recover from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mpox?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mpox</a> at home ⁉️<br />
<br />
ℹ️ Read the infographic to find out 👆<a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@who</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WHOAFRO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@whoafro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nicd_sa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nicd_sa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UNinSouthAfrica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@uninsouthafrica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSouthAfrica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@whosouthafrica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HealthZA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@healthza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoetiTshidi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moetitshidi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FNdenzako?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fndenzako</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmuffuh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmuffuh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drtedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kznhealth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kznhealth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GautengHealth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gautenghealth</a> <a href="https://t.co/oB51cRMRVp">pic.twitter.com/oB51cRMRVp</a></p>
— WHO South Africa (@WHOSouthAfrica) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSouthAfrica/status/1805602868851863941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mpox was first discovered in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the spread since then mainly limited to certain West and Central African nations.</p>

<p>But in May 2022, infections surged worldwide, mostly among men who have sex with men, leading the WHO to declare it a global health emergency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Jun 25) said that the spread of mpox in Africa needs to be addressed urgently. The scientists warned separately of a "dangerous strain" in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Jun 25) said that the spread of mpox in Africa needs to be addressed urgently. The scientists warned separately of a "dangerous strain" in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As reported by the news agency Reuters, Rosamund Lewis, the WHO's technical lead for mpox, said in a briefing note to journalists: "There is a critical need to address the recent surge in mpox cases in Africa." Mpox is a viral illness transmitted through close contact with infected humans or animals, as well as via materials such as contaminated sheets. Also read: Epilepsy device implanted in UK boy’s skull reduces daytime seizures by 80 per cent The disease led to painful and scarring lesions, principally to the face, anus and genitals. Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. The health experts who are dealing with the outbreak called for urgent action in order to contain the spread of a new strain of mpox. The strain that was spreading there was quite dangerous as it was a modified strain of the clade I mpox that had been endemic in the Congo for decades, the report said. Its mortality rates are reported to be approximately 10 per cent for children and five per cent for adults. Also read: Researchers finally discover enzyme that can slow ageing and boost health "It's undoubtedly the most dangerous so far of all the known strains of mpox considering how it is transmitted, how it is spread and also the symptoms," said John Claude Udahemuka at the University of Rwanda during a separate briefing. According to Leandre Murhula Masirika of the South Kivu health department, the new strain was first identified in the small mining town of Kamituga in South Kivu province in the east of the DRC in September. The strain has spread to cities in the area in recent weeks and may already have reached neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. Cris Kacita, the doctor in charge of operations in the country’s mpox control programme, told Reuters last week that roughly 8,600 mpox cases have been reported in Congo and 410 deaths so far this year. 📢Now out -🎙️Episode 3 - Not If But When: Mpox#Mpox hasn't been in the headlines recently, but it certainly hasn't gone away. Dr Rosamund Lewis, Technical Lead, global mpox response, @WHO, updates us on the current situation. More in the #podcast👇 🔗 https://t.co/7L15QUgNEy pic.twitter.com/IIGy451bys — WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) June 26, 2024 × South Africa records third mpox death, cases on the rise in Africa “Today, mpox remains a public health threat as the situation continues to evolve,“ Rosamund Lewis, WHO technical lead for the infectious disease, said at a UN news conference in Geneva.https://t.co/4YDe75BtU4 — SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) June 26, 2024 × 🤔 Can I recover from #mpox at home ⁉️ ℹ️ Read the infographic to find out 👆@who @whoafro @nicd_sa @uninsouthafrica @whosouthafrica @healthza @moetitshidi @fndenzako @nmuffuh @drtedros @kznhealth @gautenghealth pic.twitter.com/oB51cRMRVp — WHO South Africa (@WHOSouthAfrica) June 25, 2024 × Mpox was first discovered in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the spread since then mainly limited to certain West and Central African nations. But in May 2022, infections surged worldwide, mostly among men who have sex with men, leading the WHO to declare it a global health emergency. (With inputs from agencies)

Experts warn against 'most dangerous' mpox strain spreading in Democratic Republic of the Congo

For the first time, a telephone conversation between the US and Russian defense ministers took place. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone, warns of escalation Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walked out of the courtroom in Saipan as a free man for the first time in 12 years. Watch to know more.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange walks out as a free man after years-long detention |

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