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Lawyers across China are up in arms over what they say&nbsp;is 'blatant sabotage'&nbsp;of the legal system as they stage a rare protest on Chinese social media.&nbsp;This&nbsp;happened after advocates at the Tianjun county court in Haixi&nbsp;Mongol&nbsp;caught the presiding judge red-handed receiving real-time instructions on WeChat group, a Chinese messaging app.

The lawyers posted a lengthy letter on X-like Chinese social media platform Weibo&nbsp;and explained&nbsp;in detail what transpired on May 11 in the court located in the northwestern province of Qinghai.

<h2>What happened in the courtroom?</h2>

As per the letter, the judge suddenly adjourned the proceedings in a case.&nbsp;

“Afterwards, we accidentally found the criminal court judge of the Haixi intermediate court and the director of the Tianjun county court were remotely giving instructions in a WeChat group,”&nbsp;the letter said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjK06bu1pmGAxXewzgGHeofAVEQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-india-can-learn-from-china-on-manufacturing-vs-services-led-growth-debate-722881" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-india-can-learn-from-china-on-manufacturing-vs-services-led-growth-debate-722881&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjK06bu1pmGAxXewzgGHeofAVEQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">What India can learn from China on manufacturing vs services led growth debate</a>

As it happened, Liu Zheng of the Beijing Zebo Law Firm took a photo of the computer screen of the presiding judge, which laid bare the unofficial WeChat group that had several judicial officers and staff of local courts as its members.

The photo also captured some communication happening between the judge and his seniors.

County court director Fan Xuhua can&nbsp;be seen&nbsp;saying in the group chat:&nbsp;“You&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;have to communicate with him about it.”

The photo then shows Hasi Chaolu, president of the criminal court at Haixi Intermediate Court – the court that will hear the case if it&nbsp;is appealed—directing the presiding judge to&nbsp;“be tough,&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;speak randomly”.

“Their actions blatantly sabotage our legal system where the appeal&nbsp;court’s&nbsp;decision is the final one, and those involved should be probed for malpractice or even criminal activity,”&nbsp;the public letter said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjK06bu1pmGAxXewzgGHeofAVEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/russia-and-china-have-their-differences-but-putin-xi-are-not-talking-about-them-723027" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/russia-and-china-have-their-differences-but-putin-xi-are-not-talking-about-them-723027&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjK06bu1pmGAxXewzgGHeofAVEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Russia, China have their differences but Putin and Xi are not talking about them</a>

The lawyers also complained about the incident to the Qinghai Provincial Prosecutor’s office and the Qinghai Higher&nbsp;People’s&nbsp;Court. Both of them said they had opened an investigation into the case.

As per the letter, the lawyers have&nbsp;filed a request with the county court to&nbsp;transfer the case for trial outside of Haixi.

Responding to the incident, Xu Xin, a prominent lawyer in China, said on WeChat that such incidents were quite common in the communist country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lawyers across China are up in arms over what they say is 'blatant sabotage' of the legal system as they stage a rare protest on Chinese social media. This happened after advocates at the Tianjun county court in Haixi Mongol caught the presiding judge red-handed receiving real-time instructions on WeChat group, a Chinese messaging app.

Lawyers across China are up in arms over what they say is 'blatant sabotage' of the legal system as they stage a rare protest on Chinese social media. This happened after advocates at the Tianjun county court in Haixi Mongol caught the presiding judge red-handed receiving real-time instructions on WeChat group, a Chinese messaging app. The lawyers posted a lengthy letter on X-like Chinese social media platform Weibo and explained in detail what transpired on May 11 in the court located in the northwestern province of Qinghai. What happened in the courtroom? As per the letter, the judge suddenly adjourned the proceedings in a case. “Afterwards, we accidentally found the criminal court judge of the Haixi intermediate court and the director of the Tianjun county court were remotely giving instructions in a WeChat group,” the letter said. Also read: What India can learn from China on manufacturing vs services led growth debate As it happened, Liu Zheng of the Beijing Zebo Law Firm took a photo of the computer screen of the presiding judge, which laid bare the unofficial WeChat group that had several judicial officers and staff of local courts as its members. The photo also captured some communication happening between the judge and his seniors. County court director Fan Xuhua can be seen saying in the group chat: “You don’t have to communicate with him about it.” The photo then shows Hasi Chaolu, president of the criminal court at Haixi Intermediate Court – the court that will hear the case if it is appealed—directing the presiding judge to “be tough, don’t speak randomly”. “Their actions blatantly sabotage our legal system where the appeal court’s decision is the final one, and those involved should be probed for malpractice or even criminal activity,” the public letter said. Also read: Russia, China have their differences but Putin and Xi are not talking about them The lawyers also complained about the incident to the Qinghai Provincial Prosecutor’s office and the Qinghai Higher People’s Court. Both of them said they had opened an investigation into the case. As per the letter, the lawyers have filed a request with the county court to transfer the case for trial outside of Haixi. Responding to the incident, Xu Xin, a prominent lawyer in China, said on WeChat that such incidents were quite common in the communist country. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese lawyers up in arms after they caught judge receiving instructions on WeChat

Helicopter in convoy carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi suffers mishap

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A British court could give a final decision on Monday on whether WikiLeaks&nbsp;founder Julian Assange should be extradited to the United States over the mass leak of secret US&nbsp; documents, the culmination of 13 years of legal battles and detentions.

Two judges at the High Court in London are set to rule on whether the court is satisfied by U.S. assurances that Assange, 52, would not face the death penalty and could rely on the First Amendment right to free speech if he faced a US&nbsp;trial for spying.

Assange's legal team says he could be on a plane across the Atlantic within 24 hours of the decision, could be released from jail, or his case could yet again be bogged down in months of legal battles.

"I have the sense that anything could happen at this stage," his wife Stella said last week. "Julian could be extradited, or he could be freed."

She said her husband hoped to be in court for the crucial hearing.

WikiLeaks released hundreds of thousands of classified US&nbsp;military documents on Washington's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq - the largest security breaches of their kind in U.S. military history - along with swathes of diplomatic cables.

In April 2010, it published a classified video showing a 2007 US&nbsp;helicopter attack that killed a dozen people in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, including two Reuters news staff.

The U.S. authorities want to put the Australian-born Assange on trial over 18 charges, nearly all under the Espionage Act, saying his actions with WikiLeaks were reckless, damaged national security, and endangered the lives of agents.

His many global supporters call the prosecution a travesty, an assault on journalism and free speech, and revenge for causing embarrassment. Calls for the case to be dropped have ranged from human rights groups and some media bodies, to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other political leaders.

DETAINED SINCE 2010

Assange was first arrested in Britain in 2010 on a Swedish warrant over sex crime allegations that were later dropped. Since then he has been variously under house arrest, holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London for seven years, and held since 2019 in Belmarsh top security jail, latterly while he waited a ruling on his extradition.

"Every day since the seventh of December 2010 he has been in one form of detention or another," said Stella Assange, who was originally part of his legal team and married him in Belmarsh in 2022.

If the High Court rules the extradition can go ahead, Assange's legal avenues in Britain are exhausted, and his lawyers will immediately turn to the European Court of Human Rights to seek an emergency injunction blocking deportation pending a full hearing by that court into his case at a later date.

On the other hand, if the judges reject the U.S. submissions, then he will have permission to appeal his extradition case on three grounds, and that might not be heard until next year.

It is also possible the judges could decide that Monday's hearing should consider not just whether he can appeal but also the substance of that appeal. If they find in his favour in those circumstances, he could be released.

Stella Assange said that whatever the outcome she would continue to fight for his liberty. If he is freed she plans to follow him to Australia or wherever he was safe. If he is extradited, she said all the psychiatric evidence presented at court had concluded he was at very serious risk of suicide.

"We live from day to day, from week to week, from decision to decision. This is a way that we've been living for years and years," she told Reuters.

"This is just not a way to live - it's so cruel. And I can't prepare for his extradition - how could I? But if he's extradited, then I'll do whatever I can, and our family is going to fight for him until he's free."

A British court could give a final decision on Monday on whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange should be extradited to the United States over the mass leak of secret US documents, the culmination of 13 years of legal battles and detentions.

A British court could give a final decision on Monday on whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange should be extradited to the United States over the mass leak of secret US documents, the culmination of 13 years of legal battles and detentions. Two judges at the High Court in London are set to rule on whether the court is satisfied by U.S. assurances that Assange, 52, would not face the death penalty and could rely on the First Amendment right to free speech if he faced a US trial for spying. Assange's legal team says he could be on a plane across the Atlantic within 24 hours of the decision, could be released from jail, or his case could yet again be bogged down in months of legal battles. "I have the sense that anything could happen at this stage," his wife Stella said last week. "Julian could be extradited, or he could be freed." She said her husband hoped to be in court for the crucial hearing. WikiLeaks released hundreds of thousands of classified US military documents on Washington's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq - the largest security breaches of their kind in U.S. military history - along with swathes of diplomatic cables. In April 2010, it published a classified video showing a 2007 US helicopter attack that killed a dozen people in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, including two Reuters news staff. The U.S. authorities want to put the Australian-born Assange on trial over 18 charges, nearly all under the Espionage Act, saying his actions with WikiLeaks were reckless, damaged national security, and endangered the lives of agents. His many global supporters call the prosecution a travesty, an assault on journalism and free speech, and revenge for causing embarrassment. Calls for the case to be dropped have ranged from human rights groups and some media bodies, to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other political leaders. DETAINED SINCE 2010 Assange was first arrested in Britain in 2010 on a Swedish warrant over sex crime allegations that were later dropped. Since then he has been variously under house arrest, holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London for seven years, and held since 2019 in Belmarsh top security jail, latterly while he waited a ruling on his extradition. "Every day since the seventh of December 2010 he has been in one form of detention or another," said Stella Assange, who was originally part of his legal team and married him in Belmarsh in 2022. If the High Court rules the extradition can go ahead, Assange's legal avenues in Britain are exhausted, and his lawyers will immediately turn to the European Court of Human Rights to seek an emergency injunction blocking deportation pending a full hearing by that court into his case at a later date. On the other hand, if the judges reject the U.S. submissions, then he will have permission to appeal his extradition case on three grounds, and that might not be heard until next year. It is also possible the judges could decide that Monday's hearing should consider not just whether he can appeal but also the substance of that appeal. If they find in his favour in those circumstances, he could be released. Stella Assange said that whatever the outcome she would continue to fight for his liberty. If he is freed she plans to follow him to Australia or wherever he was safe. If he is extradited, she said all the psychiatric evidence presented at court had concluded he was at very serious risk of suicide. "We live from day to day, from week to week, from decision to decision. This is a way that we've been living for years and years," she told Reuters. "This is just not a way to live - it's so cruel. And I can't prepare for his extradition - how could I? But if he's extradited, then I'll do whatever I can, and our family is going to fight for him until he's free."

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange faces US extradition judgment day

In January 2024, The Capitals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-achieves-crucial-strategic-breakthrough-with-tehran-outreach-682114">reported</a>&nbsp;on New Delhi's crucial strategic breakthrough in Tehran after External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit&nbsp;to the Iranian capital.&nbsp;<img alt="Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi (R) meeting with India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Tehran on January 15, 2024" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97552ba-8934-48a0-8b00-a36696121287" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/JaishankarRaisi.png" />

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi (R) meets India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Tehran on January 15, 2024 | AFP

Five months after Jaishankar's Tehran visit in which the two sides committed to a "long term cooperation framework" over Chabahar port's development, India and Iran signed a 10-year contract for equipping and operation of general cargo and container terminals of Chabahar port.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Watch: Iran, India sign a 10 year long term contract on Chabahar port in Tehran. India's Shipping minister <a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sarbanandsonwal</a>, Iranian counterpart <a href="https://twitter.com/mehrdadbazrpash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mehrdadbazrpash</a> present. <a href="https://t.co/kMZLrSFXsF">https://t.co/kMZLrSFXsF</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZW4W9eAsZJ">pic.twitter.com/ZW4W9eAsZJ</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1790026454505251231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Shortly, the US State Department&nbsp;pointed out that "any entity considering business deals with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions". But as WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flip-flop-seen-over-us-stance-on-chabahar-port-721239">noted</a>, Washington's current stance is in sharp contrast with its 2018 position when they granted a sanction waiver specifically for Chabahar Port's development with New Delhi's support.&nbsp;

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The Chabahar Port located on Iran's south-western coast has easy access to India's west coast. 
 
It also forms a crucial link in the International North-South Transport Corridor. The long-term contract will give a significant boost to economic activities and establish our growing…
— Sarbananda Sonowal (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sarbanandsonwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/1789980753226527157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Chabahar Port project is central to India's regional connectivity strategy, and serves as a vital gateway for Indian goods into Afghanistan and Russia.&nbsp;The port's strategic location provides an alternative route for landlocked Afghanistan to access international markets, reducing its dependence on Pakistan.

<h2>Beijing, China<img alt="Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China in Beijing on May 16, 2024" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c76cc4b8-76a8-4abf-9d18-98b292ba602f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PutinXiBeijingMeet%20%281%29.png" /></h2>

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China in Beijing on May 16, 2024 | AFP

For the second time in the last six months, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing. This was Putin's first visit abroad after his presidential re-election for an unprecedented fifth term. "Television images conveying the majesty of protocol and military pomp associated with a state visit were designed to impress and convey that the Russia-China relationship is in its best phase," former ambassador Rajiv Bhatia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/russia-and-china-have-their-differences-but-putin-xi-are-not-talking-about-them-723027">wrote</a> on WION to argue that while Russia and China have their differences, Putin and Xi chose not talking about them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/russia-and-china-have-their-differences-but-putin-xi-are-not-talking-about-them-723027">Russia, China have their differences but Putin and Xi are not talking about them</a>

Putin's Beijing visit was&nbsp;part of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Beijijng.&nbsp;

The joint statement on ‘Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination’ for the ‘New Era’ in bilateral relations that focused on "mutual respect, equality and support for each other’s core interests and major concerns".

"Does it not smell like an alliance?" ambassador Bhatia asked.

<h2>Bratislava, Slovakia<img alt="Bratsilava, Slovakia | Google Earth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53227086-a3fb-4953-aecd-d3c6a7adef8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Slovakia.png" /></h2>

Bratislava, Slovakia | Google Earth

Nearly 200 km east of Slovak&nbsp;capital Bratislava, Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot five times allegedly by a 71-year-old writer as the 59-year-old leader was meeting and greeting people in the town of Handlova.&nbsp;

A video shared on social media showed Fico approaching a small group of people in a public square. Suddenly, a man emerged and discharged a pistol from close range, resulting in five gunshots.

Tomas Taraba, Fico’s&nbsp;deputy initially accused the centre-left political opposition, saying it had "blood on its hands".

Fico, who is expected to survive, dominates Slovak politics. He has been prime minister for 10 of the past 24 years.

But in 2018, he was forced to resign in disgrace after the assassination of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova led to nationwide protests against his Smer party's alleged ties to corrupt oligarchs.

<h2>Kathmandu, Nepal</h2>

Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ wrote to the Federal Parliament Secretariat this week to take a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives on May 20. As per Article 100 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, the prime minister&nbsp;should table a motion in the House for the vote of confidence within 30 days if a political party in a coalition government withdraws its support to the Prime Minister.

PM Prachanda will seek a vote of confidence after the Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), Nepal withdrew its support to the PM on May 13 after the split in the party.

This is the fourth time that PM Dahal, who became the Prime Minister of Nepal on December 25, 2022, has to undertake a floor test. The present coalition government needs the support of 138 MPs to secure a vote of confidence.

&nbsp;

That's all for the capitals this week. See you next weekend.

&nbsp;

In January 2024, The Capitals reported on New Delhi's crucial strategic breakthrough in Tehran after External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the Iranian capital.

In January 2024, The Capitals reported on New Delhi's crucial strategic breakthrough in Tehran after External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the Iranian capital. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi (R) meets India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Tehran on January 15, 2024 | AFP Five months after Jaishankar's Tehran visit in which the two sides committed to a "long term cooperation framework" over Chabahar port's development, India and Iran signed a 10-year contract for equipping and operation of general cargo and container terminals of Chabahar port. Watch: Iran, India sign a 10 year long term contract on Chabahar port in Tehran. India's Shipping minister @sarbanandsonwal, Iranian counterpart @mehrdadbazrpash present. https://t.co/kMZLrSFXsF pic.twitter.com/ZW4W9eAsZJ — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 13, 2024 × Shortly, the US State Department pointed out that "any entity considering business deals with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions". But as WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal noted, Washington's current stance is in sharp contrast with its 2018 position when they granted a sanction waiver specifically for Chabahar Port's development with New Delhi's support. The Chabahar Port located on Iran's south-western coast has easy access to India's west coast. It also forms a crucial link in the International North-South Transport Corridor. The long-term contract will give a significant boost to economic activities and establish our growing… — Sarbananda Sonowal (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sarbanandsonwal) May 13, 2024 × The Chabahar Port project is central to India's regional connectivity strategy, and serves as a vital gateway for Indian goods into Afghanistan and Russia. The port's strategic location provides an alternative route for landlocked Afghanistan to access international markets, reducing its dependence on Pakistan. Beijing, China Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China in Beijing on May 16, 2024 | AFP For the second time in the last six months, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing. This was Putin's first visit abroad after his presidential re-election for an unprecedented fifth term. "Television images conveying the majesty of protocol and military pomp associated with a state visit were designed to impress and convey that the Russia-China relationship is in its best phase," former ambassador Rajiv Bhatia wrote on WION to argue that while Russia and China have their differences, Putin and Xi chose not talking about them. Also read | Russia, China have their differences but Putin and Xi are not talking about them Putin's Beijing visit was part of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Beijijng. The joint statement on ‘Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination’ for the ‘New Era’ in bilateral relations that focused on "mutual respect, equality and support for each other’s core interests and major concerns". "Does it not smell like an alliance?" ambassador Bhatia asked. Bratislava, Slovakia Bratislava, Slovakia | Google Earth Nearly 200 km east of Slovak capital Bratislava, Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot five times allegedly by a 71-year-old writer as the 59-year-old leader was meeting and greeting people in the town of Handlova. A video shared on social media showed Fico approaching a small group of people in a public square. Suddenly, a man emerged and discharged a pistol from close range, resulting in five gunshots. Tomas Taraba, Fico’s deputy initially accused the centre-left political opposition, saying it had "blood on its hands". Fico, who is expected to survive, dominates Slovak politics. He has been prime minister for 10 of the past 24 years. But in 2018, he was forced to resign in disgrace after the assassination of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova led to nationwide protests against his Smer party's alleged ties to corrupt oligarchs. Kathmandu, Nepal Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ wrote to the Federal Parliament Secretariat this week to take a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives on May 20. As per Article 100 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, the prime minister should table a motion in the House for the vote of confidence within 30 days if a political party in a coalition government withdraws its support to the Prime Minister. PM Prachanda will seek a vote of confidence after the Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), Nepal withdrew its support to the PM on May 13 after the split in the party. This is the fourth time that PM Dahal, who became the Prime Minister of Nepal on December 25, 2022, has to undertake a floor test. The present coalition government needs the support of 138 MPs to secure a vote of confidence. That's all for the capitals this week. See you next weekend.

The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more

Robert Fico's deputy said on Sunday (May 19) that the Slovak prime minister is no longer in immediate danger but is still in a serious condition. On Wednesday, Fico was injured in an assassination attempt when he was greeting the supporters.&nbsp;

Fico was at one stage said to be fighting for his life after a lone gunman fired five shots and hit him four times, including in the abdomen.&nbsp;

The suspect was tackled immediately. A Slovak court on Saturday decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Fico in pre-trial detention. The suspected gunman was identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moldova-minister-pitches-his-country-as-education-destination-recalls-jimmy-jimmy-songs-popularity-722947">Moldova minister pitches his country as education destination; recalls 'Jimmy Jimmy' song's popularity</a>&nbsp;

Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told a news conference outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica, "We are all a little calmer."&nbsp;

"He has emerged from the immediate threat to his life, but his condition remains serious and he requires intensive care," Kalinak, who is Fico's closest political ally, further said.&nbsp;

After the assassination attempt, Fico underwent a five-hour operation on Wednesday and another on Friday at a hospital in the central city of Banska Bystrica.&nbsp;

"We can consider his condition stable with a positive prognosis," Kalinak said, further adding, "We all feel a bit more relaxed now." The deputy also said that Fico would stay at Banska Bystrica for the moment.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-holds-indirect-talks-with-iran-to-prevent-escalation-of-regional-attacks-report-722940">US holds indirect talks with Iran to prevent escalation of regional attacks: Report</a>&nbsp;

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said that if one of the shots "went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver".

On Saturday, Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for the 59-year-old health condition was "positive".&nbsp;

"Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova had told reporters.&nbsp;

Watch: Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes divisive foreign agent law&nbsp;

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Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver."&nbsp;

The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign, he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Robert Fico's deputy said on Sunday (May 19) that the Slovak prime minister is no longer in immediate danger but is still in a serious condition. On Wednesday, Fico was injured in an assassination attempt when he was greeting the supporters.

Robert Fico's deputy said on Sunday (May 19) that the Slovak prime minister is no longer in immediate danger but is still in a serious condition. On Wednesday, Fico was injured in an assassination attempt when he was greeting the supporters. Fico was at one stage said to be fighting for his life after a lone gunman fired five shots and hit him four times, including in the abdomen. The suspect was tackled immediately. A Slovak court on Saturday decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Fico in pre-trial detention. The suspected gunman was identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula. Also read: Moldova minister pitches his country as education destination; recalls 'Jimmy Jimmy' song's popularity Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told a news conference outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica, "We are all a little calmer." "He has emerged from the immediate threat to his life, but his condition remains serious and he requires intensive care," Kalinak, who is Fico's closest political ally, further said. After the assassination attempt, Fico underwent a five-hour operation on Wednesday and another on Friday at a hospital in the central city of Banska Bystrica. "We can consider his condition stable with a positive prognosis," Kalinak said, further adding, "We all feel a bit more relaxed now." The deputy also said that Fico would stay at Banska Bystrica for the moment. Also read: US holds indirect talks with Iran to prevent escalation of regional attacks: Report Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said that if one of the shots "went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver". On Saturday, Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for the 59-year-old health condition was "positive". "Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova had told reporters. Watch: Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes divisive foreign agent law × Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver." The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign, he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did. (With inputs from agencies)

Slovak PM Robert Fico’s life no longer in danger four days after assassination attempt

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Floods overwhelm China city - Ukraine war: Shelling in Kharkiv kills 4 - 5th phase voting in India on Monday - Floods overwhelm China city - DRC army claims it foiled a coup

Floods overwhelm China city | Ukraine war: Shelling in Kharkiv kills 4

Two major terror attacks have taken place in the Kashmir Valley on Saturday evening. The first attack took place in South Kashmir near the tourist resort of Pahalgam in the Yannar area of Anantnag district. A couple from Rajasthan was fired at by terrorists resulting in injuries to both of them, the husband is said to be critical while the wife is stable.

India | Terror attacks in Kashmir: Terrorists shoot & injure couple near Pahalgam in J&K

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the draft "foreign influence" or so-called "Russian law" that provoked massive protests for weeks. Watch to know more.

Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: Controversial law sparks nationwide protests

The Singapore's health ministry has implemented a mask mandate again amid a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. The health authorities have recorded more than 25,900 cases of Covid from May 5 to 11. Watch in for more details!

Singapore monitoring new Covid-19 wave as infections rise

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests.

<h2>Protesters and police clash in Brooklyn&nbsp;</h2>

Chaos erupted at a pro-Palestinian rally in the Bay Ridge neighbourhood in Brooklyn where a group of at least 250 people were protesting the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza.&nbsp;

In various videos posted on social media of the rally, NYPD officers can be seen punching at least three people who were wrestled to the ground. This comes after police reportedly tried to move them towards the sidewalk in Bay Ridge.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the officers began tackling and arresting people, while some protesters could be seen yelling and fighting back with the officers, according to the videos.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-20-killed-after-israeli-strike-on-nuseirat-refugee-camp-in-central-gaza-723049">Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31</a>

According to the New York Post, the entire neighbourhood was blanketed by a massive police presence. “The NYPD has spent over 400 million on Palestine protest alone,” the demonstrators chanted in a call and response, as quoted by the media report.&nbsp;

A report by the New York Times, early Sunday (May 19), citing a senior law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said at least 34 people were arrested amid the protest in Brooklyn, while the charges they face were unclear.&nbsp;

<h2>University of Pennsylvania</h2>

The University of Pennsylvania police, on Saturday, said six students were among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building.&nbsp;

Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine had called for action on Friday (May 17) at the school’s Fisher-Bennett Hall, urging supporters to bring “flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, megaphones” and other items, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The local media reported that the officers from the University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building.&nbsp;

The police said that they recovered “lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums,” after clearing out the building.&nbsp;

Additionally, exit doors had been secured with zip ties and barbed wire and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, while windows were covered by newspaper and cardboard, and bike racks and metal chairs blocked entrances, said the police, according to AP.&nbsp;

Last week, city and university police broke up a two-week encampment on the campus, arresting 33 people, nine of whom were students and two dozen of whom had “no Penn affiliation,” according to university officials.

<h2>Campus protests in Australia</h2>

In a statement, on Saturday, students at La Trobe University said that the college authorities are “attempting to crush pro-Palestine encampments.” This comes amid a wave of campus protests in support of Palestinians in Australia.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whitewashed-words-netanyahus-office-hits-back-at-gantzs-ultimatum-722944">Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum'</a>

La Trobe University, on Friday, issued a formal directive for protesters asking them to end their encampment on the Bundoora campus, according to the Guardian.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, students at the University of Melbourne spent four nights camped inside the Arts West building as organisers of the protests and university administration remained in a deadlock as the university’s executives had not met their key demands.&nbsp;

The students have also renamed the building from Arts West to Mahmoud Hall, to honour a Palestinian student who they say intended to study at the but was killed in Gaza last year.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests. Protesters and police clash in Brooklyn Chaos erupted at a pro-Palestinian rally in the Bay Ridge neighbourhood in Brooklyn where a group of at least 250 people were protesting the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza. In various videos posted on social media of the rally, NYPD officers can be seen punching at least three people who were wrestled to the ground. This comes after police reportedly tried to move them towards the sidewalk in Bay Ridge. Subsequently, the officers began tackling and arresting people, while some protesters could be seen yelling and fighting back with the officers, according to the videos. Also Read | Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31 According to the New York Post, the entire neighbourhood was blanketed by a massive police presence. “The NYPD has spent over 400 million on Palestine protest alone,” the demonstrators chanted in a call and response, as quoted by the media report. A report by the New York Times, early Sunday (May 19), citing a senior law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said at least 34 people were arrested amid the protest in Brooklyn, while the charges they face were unclear. University of Pennsylvania The University of Pennsylvania police, on Saturday, said six students were among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building. Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine had called for action on Friday (May 17) at the school’s Fisher-Bennett Hall, urging supporters to bring “flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, megaphones” and other items, according to the Associated Press. The local media reported that the officers from the University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building. The police said that they recovered “lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums,” after clearing out the building. Additionally, exit doors had been secured with zip ties and barbed wire and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, while windows were covered by newspaper and cardboard, and bike racks and metal chairs blocked entrances, said the police, according to AP. Last week, city and university police broke up a two-week encampment on the campus, arresting 33 people, nine of whom were students and two dozen of whom had “no Penn affiliation,” according to university officials. Campus protests in Australia In a statement, on Saturday, students at La Trobe University said that the college authorities are “attempting to crush pro-Palestine encampments.” This comes amid a wave of campus protests in support of Palestinians in Australia. Also Read | Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum' La Trobe University, on Friday, issued a formal directive for protesters asking them to end their encampment on the Bundoora campus, according to the Guardian. Meanwhile, students at the University of Melbourne spent four nights camped inside the Arts West building as organisers of the protests and university administration remained in a deadlock as the university’s executives had not met their key demands. The students have also renamed the building from Arts West to Mahmoud Hall, to honour a Palestinian student who they say intended to study at the but was killed in Gaza last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after clashing with police in New York

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Ukraine war: Shelling in Kharkiv kills 4 - 5th phase voting in India on Monday - Floods overwhelm China city - DRC army claims it foiled a coup

Ukraine war: Shelling in Kharkiv kills 4 |  5th phase voting in India on Monday

Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, has threatened to quit Benjamin Netanyahu's government if the prime minister does not submit a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8.Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Benny Gantz threatens to quit war cabinet, gives June 8 ultimatum

Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean has recognized India as an "important player on the international scene" and has extended an invitation to Indian students, tourists, and investors to visit his country. In an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Chișinău, the Moldovan capital, he praised India's economic growth, stating, "I would like to congratulate India for becoming one of the fastest-growing large economies. This is great for India and for the world as well." He emphasized Moldova's enthusiasm in strengthening ties with India, noting," India, we see, is becoming more and more an important player on the international scene. And we are very glad that we open our relationships with India. " Prime Minister Recean expressed a desire to attract more Indian students to Moldova. He assured that Moldovan universities are gearing up to welcome additional Indian students, with English-speaking teachers, adequate learning facilities, comfortable living conditions, and affordable prices. The PM also spoke about his country's desire to join the EU, and how it has been hosting many Ukrainian refugees amid the conflict in Ukraine. He said, "Our objective is to be an equal member of the European Union and together as a large union, to be an example for the world on how to develop and how to bring prosperity to people"

Moldovan Prime Minister Recean says 'it is our responsibility to protect Ukrainian border

On Saturday (May 18), South Koreans closed their eyes and got comfortable for a sleeping contest aimed at raising awareness about the need of rest in a country with one of the world's poorest sleep quality rankings.

South Korea: Hundreds gather in South Korea for 'power nap' contest

German-Israeli Shani Louk's father says that finally laying his daughter to rest will be a gift after her body was recovered from Gaza, months after she was killed in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

Louk, a 23-year-old tattoo artist, was celebrating with friends at the Nova music festival just inside Israel before it was attacked by gunmen from the Palestinian militant group. Her body was soon seen in a video, slung across the back of a pickup truck, surrounded by gunmen and paraded through Gaza.

On Friday, the Israeli military informed her parents, Nissim and Ricarda Louk, that their daughter's body had been found by Israeli commandos in Gaza. Nissim Louk said that to be sure, he had viewed photos.

"We also saw the tattoos on her hands," he said on Saturday. "Now she will have her own place next to us and we can go there whenever we want. And she can rest." 
 
He said the funeral will be held on Sunday, which is Ricarda Louk's birthday.

"I think Shani said 'let's give my mother a birthday present and let's go back and be close to her'," he added.

Having Shani's grave nearby would be a comfort, said Ricarda Louk.

"Maybe we'll find more peace," she said.

Nissim Louk said there was also solace knowing Shani was doing what she loved best before she died and probably did not suffer. She was pronounced dead by Israeli authorities at the end of October, based on findings in the area of the Nova rave, where more than 360 people were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death.

Videos of a smiling Shani at the party, before the attack, surfaced in the following weeks.

"She was dancing the whole night. She was so happy."&nbsp;

Nissim Louk said,&nbsp;"She never thought that there is evil in the world because she was a free spirit. She saw it only for a couple of seconds."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-hostage-shani-louks-body-recovered-who-was-she-722672">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hostage Shani Louk's body recovered. Who was she?</a>

Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 abducted in the Hamas-led attack, according to Israeli tallies. Israel responded by launching a military offensive vowing to eradicate Hamas that is now in its eight month.

More than 35,000 people have since been killed in Gaza, claims the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry. Most of the coastal enclave's population has been displaced and much of it has been laid to waste in the offensive, which has drawn fierce criticism abroad.

Ricarda Louk said she was pained by what she sees as ignorance and misinformation displayed at some U.S. campus protests against Israel's war in Gaza.

Also watch |&nbsp;23-yr-old German-Israeli tattoo artist Shani Louk found dead, was abducted by Hamas on Oct 7

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"It's horrible for us to see," she said. "We can tell you from our own experience. We lost our daughter in this massacre."

"There is no resistance that can justify what happened here," she said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

German-Israeli Shani Louk's father says that finally laying his daughter to rest will be a gift after her body was recovered from Gaza, months after she was killed in Hamas' Oct.

German-Israeli Shani Louk's father says that finally laying his daughter to rest will be a gift after her body was recovered from Gaza, months after she was killed in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Louk, a 23-year-old tattoo artist, was celebrating with friends at the Nova music festival just inside Israel before it was attacked by gunmen from the Palestinian militant group. Her body was soon seen in a video, slung across the back of a pickup truck, surrounded by gunmen and paraded through Gaza. On Friday, the Israeli military informed her parents, Nissim and Ricarda Louk, that their daughter's body had been found by Israeli commandos in Gaza. Nissim Louk said that to be sure, he had viewed photos. "We also saw the tattoos on her hands," he said on Saturday. "Now she will have her own place next to us and we can go there whenever we want. And she can rest." He said the funeral will be held on Sunday, which is Ricarda Louk's birthday. "I think Shani said 'let's give my mother a birthday present and let's go back and be close to her'," he added. Having Shani's grave nearby would be a comfort, said Ricarda Louk. "Maybe we'll find more peace," she said. Nissim Louk said there was also solace knowing Shani was doing what she loved best before she died and probably did not suffer. She was pronounced dead by Israeli authorities at the end of October, based on findings in the area of the Nova rave, where more than 360 people were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death. Videos of a smiling Shani at the party, before the attack, surfaced in the following weeks. "She was dancing the whole night. She was so happy." Nissim Louk said, "She never thought that there is evil in the world because she was a free spirit. She saw it only for a couple of seconds." Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hostage Shani Louk's body recovered. Who was she? Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 abducted in the Hamas-led attack, according to Israeli tallies. Israel responded by launching a military offensive vowing to eradicate Hamas that is now in its eight month. More than 35,000 people have since been killed in Gaza, claims the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry. Most of the coastal enclave's population has been displaced and much of it has been laid to waste in the offensive, which has drawn fierce criticism abroad. Ricarda Louk said she was pained by what she sees as ignorance and misinformation displayed at some U.S. campus protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Also watch | 23-yr-old German-Israeli tattoo artist Shani Louk found dead, was abducted by Hamas on Oct 7 × "It's horrible for us to see," she said. "We can tell you from our own experience. We lost our daughter in this massacre." "There is no resistance that can justify what happened here," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli hostage Shani Louk’s body returns from Gaza; emotional parents react

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Gaza: Israeli strike kills 31 - Netanyahu govt on the brink? - Massive Ukrainian offensive on Russia - Twin terror attacks in J&K ahead of voting - Indonesia: MT IBU erupts, spews ash cloud - Elon Musk in Indonesia

Gaza: Israeli strike kills 31 | Massive Ukrainian offensive in Russia

The volcano on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera, Mount Ibu has spectacularly erupted yet again and has since been spewing a grey ash cloud into the sky. The eruption, on Saturday evening, prompted the evacuation of seven nearby villages, said the local authorities on Sunday (May 19).&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Mount Ibu erupted on Saturday (May 18) evening sending ash four kilometres high as streaks of purple lightning flashed around its crater, reported Reuters citing information and images shared by Indonesia’s volcanology agency.

The eruption came after Indonesian authorities, on Thursday (May 16) raised the alert level for Mount Ibu to the highest level following a series of eruptions since last week.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-mt-ibu-erupts-spewing-ash-clouds-720838">Mount Ibu erupts once more, spewing 5 km high ash tower in Indonesia</a>

A joint team comprising police, military and search and rescue officials was dispatched to the area to evacuate residents from surrounding villages, reported the news agency citing a statement by Abdul Muhari, from the disaster mitigation agency.&nbsp;

The disaster agency did not provide any information about how many people have been evacuated but said that a seven-kilometre radius would be cleared.

Images shared by the disaster agency, as per Reuters shows authorities assisting the elderly, while other residents were moved in pick-up trucks and accommodated in emergency tents for the night.

<h2>Hundreds evacuated</h2>

A report by the news agency AFP citing an official, on Friday (May 17) said hundreds of people living near an erupting volcano were evacuated after authorities raised its alert status to the highest level.&nbsp;

The alert status for Mount Ibu was raised to the highest on the country’s four-tiered system on Thursday after recording two huge eruptions for the second day in a row.

“Until today (May 17), the evacuees continue to arrive and as of this morning, the preliminary data that we have is around 400 people (evacuated),” disaster mitigation agency official Muhammad Ade Fabanyo told AFP.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-covid-back-singapore-advises-wearing-masks-amid-rise-in-cases-jabs-recommended-for-vulnerable-722825">Is Covid back? Singapore advises wearing masks amid sharp rise in cases, recommends jabs for vulnerable</a>

He said the evacuation was a “preventive” measure taken by authorities since the residents were living around seven kilometres from the volcano.&nbsp;

Mount Ibu activities follow a series of eruptions of different volcanoes across Indonesia. The country sits on the “Ring of Fire” and is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The volcano on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera, Mount Ibu has spectacularly erupted yet again and has since been spewing a grey ash cloud into the sky.

The volcano on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera, Mount Ibu has spectacularly erupted yet again and has since been spewing a grey ash cloud into the sky. The eruption, on Saturday evening, prompted the evacuation of seven nearby villages, said the local authorities on Sunday (May 19). What happened? Mount Ibu erupted on Saturday (May 18) evening sending ash four kilometres high as streaks of purple lightning flashed around its crater, reported Reuters citing information and images shared by Indonesia’s volcanology agency. The eruption came after Indonesian authorities, on Thursday (May 16) raised the alert level for Mount Ibu to the highest level following a series of eruptions since last week. Also Read | Mount Ibu erupts once more, spewing 5 km high ash tower in Indonesia A joint team comprising police, military and search and rescue officials was dispatched to the area to evacuate residents from surrounding villages, reported the news agency citing a statement by Abdul Muhari, from the disaster mitigation agency. The disaster agency did not provide any information about how many people have been evacuated but said that a seven-kilometre radius would be cleared. Images shared by the disaster agency, as per Reuters shows authorities assisting the elderly, while other residents were moved in pick-up trucks and accommodated in emergency tents for the night. Hundreds evacuated A report by the news agency AFP citing an official, on Friday (May 17) said hundreds of people living near an erupting volcano were evacuated after authorities raised its alert status to the highest level. The alert status for Mount Ibu was raised to the highest on the country’s four-tiered system on Thursday after recording two huge eruptions for the second day in a row. “Until today (May 17), the evacuees continue to arrive and as of this morning, the preliminary data that we have is around 400 people (evacuated),” disaster mitigation agency official Muhammad Ade Fabanyo told AFP. Also Read | Is Covid back? Singapore advises wearing masks amid sharp rise in cases, recommends jabs for vulnerable He said the evacuation was a “preventive” measure taken by authorities since the residents were living around seven kilometres from the volcano. Mount Ibu activities follow a series of eruptions of different volcanoes across Indonesia. The country sits on the “Ring of Fire” and is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes. (With inputs from agencies)

Mount Ibu: Eruption of volcano on Indonesian island prompts evacuation of seven villages

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