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<p>Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a law that would criminalise same-sex relationships&nbsp;with a maximum 15-year prison sentence.&nbsp;This&nbsp;was the latest attack on the LGBTQ community in the country. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the law, passed by parliament, aims to protect the Iraqi society&nbsp;from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world.</p>

<p>The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality bans same-sex relations with at least&nbsp;10&nbsp;years and a maximum of 15 years in prison&nbsp;and mandates&nbsp;at least seven years in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;for anybody who promotes homosexuality or prostitution. The law also imposes&nbsp;one and three years in prison for anyone who changes their "biological gender" or wilfully dresses in an effeminate manner.</p>

<h2><strong>Law condemned by rights advocates</strong></h2>

<p>The law was condemned by rights advocates.&nbsp;Speaking to Reuters,&nbsp;&nbsp;Rasha Younes, deputy director of the LGBT rights programme at Human Rights Watch, said that the law rubber-stamped "Iraq's appalling record of rights violations against LGBT people and is a serious blow to fundamental human rights."</p>

<p>Until&nbsp;the law was passed&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;&nbsp;Iraq didn't explicitly criminalise gay sex.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code have&nbsp;been used&nbsp;to target LGBT people, and members of the community have also been killed by armed groups and individuals.</p>

<h2><strong>Law initially included&nbsp;death&nbsp;penalty</strong></h2>

<p>The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality&nbsp;initially&nbsp;included the death penalty&nbsp;for same-sex acts&nbsp;but was&nbsp;amended before being passed after strong opposition from the United States (US) and European countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law&nbsp;was backed mainly by conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties.&nbsp;Shi'ite Muslim parties and other&nbsp;major&nbsp;parties in Iraq had stepped&nbsp;up their criticism of LGBTQ rights&nbsp;last year,&nbsp;with rainbow flags frequently being burned in protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a law that would criminalise same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence. This was the latest attack on the LGBTQ community in the country.

Iraq on Saturday (Apr 27) passed a law that would criminalise same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence. This was the latest attack on the LGBTQ community in the country. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the law, passed by parliament, aims to protect the Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world. The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality bans same-sex relations with at least 10 years and a maximum of 15 years in prison and mandates at least seven years in prison for anybody who promotes homosexuality or prostitution. The law also imposes one and three years in prison for anyone who changes their "biological gender" or wilfully dresses in an effeminate manner. Law condemned by rights advocates The law was condemned by rights advocates. Speaking to Reuters, Rasha Younes, deputy director of the LGBT rights programme at Human Rights Watch, said that the law rubber-stamped "Iraq's appalling record of rights violations against LGBT people and is a serious blow to fundamental human rights." Until the law was passed on Saturday, Iraq didn't explicitly criminalise gay sex. However, loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code have been used to target LGBT people, and members of the community have also been killed by armed groups and individuals. Law initially included death penalty The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality initially included the death penalty for same-sex acts but was amended before being passed after strong opposition from the United States (US) and European countries. The law was backed mainly by conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties. Shi'ite Muslim parties and other major parties in Iraq had stepped up their criticism of LGBTQ rights last year, with rainbow flags frequently being burned in protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Latest attack on Iraq's LGBTQ: Govt criminalises same-sex relationship with maximum 15-year jail term

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Police cracks down at US Universities - Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal push - Pope to visit Venice, Health in focus - Pro-Palestine protests across US

Police cracks down at US Universities | Pope to visit Venice, Health in focus

<p>A gold pocket watch recovered from the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic fetched a staggering £1.2 million ($1.46&nbsp;million), setting a new record for Titanic memorabilia sales.</p>

<p>The watch, once owned by businessman John Jacob Astor who died&nbsp;with the ship in 1912 at 47, was acquired by a private collector in the US at Henry Aldridge &amp; Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, during an auction on Saturday.</p>

<p>This breaks the previous record of £1.1 million&nbsp;paid for a violin played during the Titanic's sinking, also sold by the same auction house in 2013.</p>

<p>A representative for the auction house mentioned that the £1.2 million ($1.46&nbsp;million)&nbsp;price tag for the pocket watch covered all fees and taxes borne by the purchaser.</p>

<p>Similarly, the case for the violin was also sold at the same auction for £360,000, inclusive of fees and taxes.</p>

<p>Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge expressed to the PA news agency that the prices achieved for the Titanic memorabilia during the sale were&nbsp;“absolutely incredible”.</p>

<p>He said: “They reflect not only the importance of the artefacts themselves and their rarity but they also show the enduring appeal and fascination with the Titanic story.</p>

<p>“112 years later, we are still talking about the ship and the passengers and the crew. The thing with the Titanic story, it’s effectively a large ship hits an iceberg with a tragic loss of life, but more importantly is 2,200 stories," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/titanic-floating-door-prop-sold-for-staggering-718750-at-auction-704578">Also read |&nbsp;‘Titanic’ floating door prop sold for staggering $718,750 at auction</a></p>

<p>Rather than trying to get on another lifeboat, John Jacob Astor, who was from a wealthy family, was last seen chatting and smoking. A week later, his body was found in the ocean, along with his fancy gold pocket watch.</p>

<p>Aldridge said: “Astor is well known as the richest passenger [on] board the RMS Titanic and was thought to be among the richest people in the world at that time, with a net worth of roughly $87m – equivalent to several billion dollars today.</p>

<p>“At 11.40pm on 14 April 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg and started to take on water," he said.</p>

<p>“At first, Astor did not believe the ship was in any serious danger, but later it was apparent she was sinking and the captain had started an evacuation after midnight, so he helped his wife into lifeboat 4,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Madeleine Astor lived through the disaster, and her husband's body was found close to where the Titanic sank on April 22nd.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dinner-menu-for-first-class-passengers-onboard-titanic-sold-for-103000-658185">Also read |&nbsp;Dinner menu for first-class passengers onboard Titanic auctioned for $103,000</a></p>

<p>Vincent Astor, John Jacob Astor's son, passed the watch to William Dobbyn, the son of his father's executive secretary.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Titanic: Kate Winslet's iconic coat made of pink wool up for auction</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/titanic-kate-winslets-iconic-coat-made-of-pink-wool-up-for-auction-wion-newspoint-625262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A gold pocket watch recovered from the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic fetched a staggering £1.2 million ($1.46 million), setting a new record for Titanic memorabilia sales.

A gold pocket watch recovered from the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic fetched a staggering £1.2 million ($1.46 million), setting a new record for Titanic memorabilia sales. The watch, once owned by businessman John Jacob Astor who died with the ship in 1912 at 47, was acquired by a private collector in the US at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, during an auction on Saturday. This breaks the previous record of £1.1 million paid for a violin played during the Titanic's sinking, also sold by the same auction house in 2013. A representative for the auction house mentioned that the £1.2 million ($1.46 million) price tag for the pocket watch covered all fees and taxes borne by the purchaser. Similarly, the case for the violin was also sold at the same auction for £360,000, inclusive of fees and taxes. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge expressed to the PA news agency that the prices achieved for the Titanic memorabilia during the sale were “absolutely incredible”. He said: “They reflect not only the importance of the artefacts themselves and their rarity but they also show the enduring appeal and fascination with the Titanic story. “112 years later, we are still talking about the ship and the passengers and the crew. The thing with the Titanic story, it’s effectively a large ship hits an iceberg with a tragic loss of life, but more importantly is 2,200 stories," he added. Also read | ‘Titanic’ floating door prop sold for staggering $718,750 at auction Rather than trying to get on another lifeboat, John Jacob Astor, who was from a wealthy family, was last seen chatting and smoking. A week later, his body was found in the ocean, along with his fancy gold pocket watch. Aldridge said: “Astor is well known as the richest passenger [on] board the RMS Titanic and was thought to be among the richest people in the world at that time, with a net worth of roughly $87m – equivalent to several billion dollars today. “At 11.40pm on 14 April 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg and started to take on water," he said. “At first, Astor did not believe the ship was in any serious danger, but later it was apparent she was sinking and the captain had started an evacuation after midnight, so he helped his wife into lifeboat 4,” he added. Madeleine Astor lived through the disaster, and her husband's body was found close to where the Titanic sank on April 22nd. Also read | Dinner menu for first-class passengers onboard Titanic auctioned for $103,000 Vincent Astor, John Jacob Astor's son, passed the watch to William Dobbyn, the son of his father's executive secretary. Also watch | Titanic: Kate Winslet's iconic coat made of pink wool up for auction (With inputs from agencies)

Titanic's wealthiest passenger's gold pocket watch sells for record $1.46mn

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<p>In a major blow to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, Tory MP and former health minister Dr Dan Poulter defected to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Dr Poulter said that the Conservatives have become a “nationalist party of the right” that no longer prioritises the NHS or the National Health Service (NHS), which is a government-funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom that provides free services to almost the entire population, except for certain services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Dan Poulter is the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. Dr Poulter also works part-time as a mental health doctor in an NHS hospital.</p>

<p>In an interview with the Observer, Dr Poulter announced he was resigning as a Tory MP and would be taking the Labour whip until the next election.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak coaxes voters with key legislations</strong></p>

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<p>He claimed he would not seek re-election to the House of Commons at the next general election. But he added that he sees a role for himself advising the Labour party on its policies on mental health while focusing more on his NHS work.</p>

<p>"I could not go on as part of that. I have to be able to look my NHS colleagues in the eye, my patients in the eye and my constituents in the eye. And I know that the Conservative government has been failing on the thing I care about most, which is the NHS and its patients," said Dr Poulter</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-believed-narayana-murthy-was-helping-rishi-sunak-to-become-uk-pm-reveals-new-book-636519">Boris Johnson 'believed' Narayana Murthy was helping Rishi Sunak to become UK PM, claims new book</a></strong></p>

<p>The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, celebrated the move on social media. "It’s fantastic to welcome Dr Dan Poulter MP to today’s changed Labour party," he posted on X. "It’s time to end the Conservative chaos, turn the page, and get Britain’s future back. I’m really pleased that Dan has decided to join us on this journey."</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The defection – the first by a Tory MP to Labour since Christian Wakeford's switch to the Labour – is another severe blow to Rishi Sunak before the council and mayoral elections next week, in which the Tory party is expected to lose up to a half of its remaining local authority seats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major blow to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, Tory MP and former health minister Dr Dan Poulter defected to Keir Starmer's Labour Party.

In a major blow to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, Tory MP and former health minister Dr Dan Poulter defected to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Dr Poulter said that the Conservatives have become a “nationalist party of the right” that no longer prioritises the NHS or the National Health Service (NHS), which is a government-funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom that provides free services to almost the entire population, except for certain services. Dr Dan Poulter is the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. Dr Poulter also works part-time as a mental health doctor in an NHS hospital. In an interview with the Observer, Dr Poulter announced he was resigning as a Tory MP and would be taking the Labour whip until the next election. Also watch | UK PM Rishi Sunak coaxes voters with key legislations × He claimed he would not seek re-election to the House of Commons at the next general election. But he added that he sees a role for himself advising the Labour party on its policies on mental health while focusing more on his NHS work. "I could not go on as part of that. I have to be able to look my NHS colleagues in the eye, my patients in the eye and my constituents in the eye. And I know that the Conservative government has been failing on the thing I care about most, which is the NHS and its patients," said Dr Poulter Also read | Boris Johnson 'believed' Narayana Murthy was helping Rishi Sunak to become UK PM, claims new book The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, celebrated the move on social media. "It’s fantastic to welcome Dr Dan Poulter MP to today’s changed Labour party," he posted on X. "It’s time to end the Conservative chaos, turn the page, and get Britain’s future back. I’m really pleased that Dan has decided to join us on this journey." What does it mean? The defection – the first by a Tory MP to Labour since Christian Wakeford's switch to the Labour – is another severe blow to Rishi Sunak before the council and mayoral elections next week, in which the Tory party is expected to lose up to a half of its remaining local authority seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Major blow to Rishi Sunak as former health minister switches over to Labour Party

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<p>Police in the United States 'detained' more than 150 people, mostly students at two Universities on Saturday (April 27), in a show of heavy-handedness against pro-Palestinian protestors amid campus clashes triggered by Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police in Boston detained about 100 people while clearing a protest camp at Northeastern University. Social media posts showed security forces in riot gear and officers loading tents onto the back of a truck.</p>

<p>In the Arizona State University, police arrested 69 people for trespassing after the group set up an "unauthorized encampment" on campus.</p>

<p>In Boston, the police action came after some protesters resorted to "virulent anti-Semitic slurs, including 'Kill the Jews,'" Northeastern University said in a statement on social media platform X.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-faculty-senate-passes-resolution-over-administrative-handling-of-anti-israel-protests-715673">Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests</a></strong></p>

<p>Arizona State officials said a protest group -- "most of whom were not ASU students, faculty or staff" -- had set up a camp Friday and then ignored repeated orders to abandon the encampment.</p>

<p>The campus protests have exposed&nbsp;US' double standards on preaching freedom of expression to the world while showing police heavy-handedness against similar expressions at home. They have posed a major challenge to some Ivy League universities who are trying to balance commitments to free expression with complaints that the rallies have spilled into anti-Semitism and hate speech.</p>

<p>In a statement on X, Northeastern University said the area on campus where the protests were held was now "fully secured" and "all campus operations have returned to normal."</p>

<p>The school said it made the move after "what began as a student demonstration two days ago was infiltrated by professional organizers with no affiliation to Northeastern."</p>

<p>It added that detained individuals who produced a valid school ID were released and will face disciplinary proceedings, not legal action.</p>

<p>"Those who refused to disclose their affiliation were arrested," the school said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Intimidating conduct' by protestors at Pennsylvania University</strong></h2>

<p>Dozens of students remained encamped on Saturday (April 27) at the University of Pennsylvania, despite the college president ordering disbandment after&nbsp;"credible reports of harassing and intimidating conduct."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Columbia University in New York, the starting point of the protests, was relatively calm Saturday. Officials there announced Friday that they would not be calling police back on campus after more than 100 people were arrested last week.</p>

<p>"To bring back the NYPD at this time would be counterproductive, further inflaming what is happening on campus, and drawing thousands to our doorstep who would threaten our community," school leaders said in a statement, referring to the New York Police Department.</p>

<p>Columbia signaled it had barred from campus Khymani James, a leader of the campus protests who had said in a video in January that "Zionists don't deserve to live," and "Be grateful that I'm not just going out and murdering Zionists."</p>

<p>"Chants, signs, taunts and social media posts from our own students that mock and threaten to 'kill' Jewish people are totally unacceptable, and Columbia students who are involved in such incidents will be held accountable," the school said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gaza protests in US universities: Columbia University extends deadline for protesters to leave</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt announced it was closing campus until the end of the semester, with instruction and work continuing remotely after protesters repeatedly attempted to "break into multiple locked buildings with the intention of either locking themselves in, vandalizing or stealing equipment."</p>

<h2><strong>Canada sees its first pro-Palestine campus protest</strong></h2>

<p>Canada saw its first pro-Palestine campus protest camp spring up on Saturday (April 27) at McGill University. The school in Montreal said such encampments, which are not permitted, increase "the potential for escalation and confrontation, as we have seen at some colleges throughout the US."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war in Gaza began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people and took about 250 people as hostages. The consequent retaliatory state of war in Gaza has killed over 34,000 people amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has created famine like conditions in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Police in the United States 'detained' more than 150 people, mostly students at two Universities on Saturday (April 27), in a show of heavy-handedness against pro-Palestinian protestors amid campus clashes triggered by Israel-Hamas war.

Police in the United States 'detained' more than 150 people, mostly students at two Universities on Saturday (April 27), in a show of heavy-handedness against pro-Palestinian protestors amid campus clashes triggered by Israel-Hamas war. Police in Boston detained about 100 people while clearing a protest camp at Northeastern University. Social media posts showed security forces in riot gear and officers loading tents onto the back of a truck. In the Arizona State University, police arrested 69 people for trespassing after the group set up an "unauthorized encampment" on campus. In Boston, the police action came after some protesters resorted to "virulent anti-Semitic slurs, including 'Kill the Jews,'" Northeastern University said in a statement on social media platform X. Also read | Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests Arizona State officials said a protest group -- "most of whom were not ASU students, faculty or staff" -- had set up a camp Friday and then ignored repeated orders to abandon the encampment. The campus protests have exposed US' double standards on preaching freedom of expression to the world while showing police heavy-handedness against similar expressions at home. They have posed a major challenge to some Ivy League universities who are trying to balance commitments to free expression with complaints that the rallies have spilled into anti-Semitism and hate speech. In a statement on X, Northeastern University said the area on campus where the protests were held was now "fully secured" and "all campus operations have returned to normal." The school said it made the move after "what began as a student demonstration two days ago was infiltrated by professional organizers with no affiliation to Northeastern." It added that detained individuals who produced a valid school ID were released and will face disciplinary proceedings, not legal action. "Those who refused to disclose their affiliation were arrested," the school said. 'Intimidating conduct' by protestors at Pennsylvania University Dozens of students remained encamped on Saturday (April 27) at the University of Pennsylvania, despite the college president ordering disbandment after "credible reports of harassing and intimidating conduct." Meanwhile, Columbia University in New York, the starting point of the protests, was relatively calm Saturday. Officials there announced Friday that they would not be calling police back on campus after more than 100 people were arrested last week. "To bring back the NYPD at this time would be counterproductive, further inflaming what is happening on campus, and drawing thousands to our doorstep who would threaten our community," school leaders said in a statement, referring to the New York Police Department. Columbia signaled it had barred from campus Khymani James, a leader of the campus protests who had said in a video in January that "Zionists don't deserve to live," and "Be grateful that I'm not just going out and murdering Zionists." "Chants, signs, taunts and social media posts from our own students that mock and threaten to 'kill' Jewish people are totally unacceptable, and Columbia students who are involved in such incidents will be held accountable," the school said. Also watch | Gaza protests in US universities: Columbia University extends deadline for protesters to leave × Meanwhile, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt announced it was closing campus until the end of the semester, with instruction and work continuing remotely after protesters repeatedly attempted to "break into multiple locked buildings with the intention of either locking themselves in, vandalizing or stealing equipment." Canada sees its first pro-Palestine campus protest Canada saw its first pro-Palestine campus protest camp spring up on Saturday (April 27) at McGill University. The school in Montreal said such encampments, which are not permitted, increase "the potential for escalation and confrontation, as we have seen at some colleges throughout the US." The war in Gaza began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people and took about 250 people as hostages. The consequent retaliatory state of war in Gaza has killed over 34,000 people amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has created famine like conditions in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Over 150 detained as pro-Palestine protests with 'virulent anti-Semitic slurs' grip several varsities

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<p>Russian journalists, Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin were arrested on charges of “extremism” and have been ordered by the courts, on Saturday (Apr 27) to remain in custody pending an investigation for allegedly working for a group founded by the late Russian opposition politician <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-suggests-putin-unlikely-to-have-ordered-navalnys-killing-wsj-report-715854">Alexei Navalny</a>.</p>

<h2><strong>Charges against the Russian journalists</strong></h2>

<p>The two Russian journalists, who have denied the charges against them, would be detained for a minimum of two months before any trials begin, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gabov was detained in the Russian capital city of Moscow. Meanwhile, Karelin, who is also an Israeli citizen was arrested from Russia’s northern Murmansk region, on Friday (Apr 26) night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gabov has been accused of participating “in preparing photo and video material” for the YouTube channel “Navalny LIVE,” reported Deutsche Welle (DW) citing court officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karelin has also been accused of preparing materials for the YouTube channel which was created by Navalny’s associates and employees of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) NGO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisation founded by the late Russian opposition leader has been designated as an extremist group in Russia.</p>

<p>Gabov and Karelin face a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of six years for alleged “participation in an extremist organization,” according to the Russian courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gabov will be held in pre-trial detention until June 27, while the details about Karelin’s detention are yet to be made public.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia’s crackdown on journalists</strong></h2>

<p>Both Gabov and Karelin have previously worked for DW and other international news organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karelin, 41, was working for DW as a cameraman until the German broadcaster was banned from operating in Russia. He has also worked for the AP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Associated Press is very concerned by the detention of Russian video journalist Sergey Karelin,” said the news agency in a statement, adding that it is “seeking additional information.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Gabov is a freelance producer and has also worked for several organisations including Reuters, said the Russian court press service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Reuters later released a statement saying that&nbsp;Gabov had previously "occasionally contributed to the Reuters news file," but "does not do any work for Reuters at this time."</p>

<p>He was DW’s correspondent in Moscow in 2019 and 2020. Gabov reportedly also worked for the Russian broadcasters Moskva 24 and MIR, and Belarusian news agency Belsat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, Russia has ramped up its crackdown on dissent aimed at independent media, journalists, activists, and opposition figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several journalists have been arrested for their coverage of Navalny, who died in an Arctic penal colony in February, including photographer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-stepping-up-persecution-of-last-independent-journalists-and-media-alleges-reporters-without-borders-706723">Antonina Favorskaya</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Favorskaya was arrested last month and has been accused of participating in an “extremist organization” after she posted on the social media platforms of Navalny’s Foundation and covered his court hearings for years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also filmed the last video of the Russian opposition leader before his death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to DW on Sunday (Apr 28), the director of the Andrei Sakharov Center for Human Rights, Sergey Lukashevsky, said that Gabov and Karelin would be found guilty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He explained that extremism charges could be levelled against individuals for “any connections, any contact with somebody of the Navalny team,” and called it a “repressive strategy.”</p>

<p>Russia-American journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-detains-another-american-journalist-heres-what-we-know-649362">Alsu Kurmasheva</a>, who works for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Wall Street Journal reporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-journal-reporter-evan-gershkovich-marks-a-year-in-russian-prison-705781">Evan Gershkovich</a> are also being held by Russian authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Forbes Russia journalist placed under house arrest</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forbes-russia-journalist-arrested-for-allegedly-spreading-fake-news-about-russian-army-715312">Sergei Mingazov</a>, a journalist for Forbes Russia who was arrested for allegedly spreading “fake news” about Moscow’s army has been placed under house arrest by the court, reported Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, on Saturday (Apr 27).&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will be under house arrest for at least two months as he awaits trial after being detained on Friday. According to Mingazov’s lawyer, he was detained for reposting articles about alleged Russian war crimes in Bucha, a suburb near the Ukrainian capital.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian journalists, Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin were arrested on charges of “extremism” and have been ordered by the courts, on Saturday (Apr 27) to remain in custody pending an investigation for allegedly working for a group founded by the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

Russian journalists, Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin were arrested on charges of “extremism” and have been ordered by the courts, on Saturday (Apr 27) to remain in custody pending an investigation for allegedly working for a group founded by the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Charges against the Russian journalists The two Russian journalists, who have denied the charges against them, would be detained for a minimum of two months before any trials begin, reported the Associated Press. Gabov was detained in the Russian capital city of Moscow. Meanwhile, Karelin, who is also an Israeli citizen was arrested from Russia’s northern Murmansk region, on Friday (Apr 26) night. Gabov has been accused of participating “in preparing photo and video material” for the YouTube channel “Navalny LIVE,” reported Deutsche Welle (DW) citing court officials. Karelin has also been accused of preparing materials for the YouTube channel which was created by Navalny’s associates and employees of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) NGO. The organisation founded by the late Russian opposition leader has been designated as an extremist group in Russia. Gabov and Karelin face a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of six years for alleged “participation in an extremist organization,” according to the Russian courts. Gabov will be held in pre-trial detention until June 27, while the details about Karelin’s detention are yet to be made public. Russia’s crackdown on journalists Both Gabov and Karelin have previously worked for DW and other international news organisations. Karelin, 41, was working for DW as a cameraman until the German broadcaster was banned from operating in Russia. He has also worked for the AP. “The Associated Press is very concerned by the detention of Russian video journalist Sergey Karelin,” said the news agency in a statement, adding that it is “seeking additional information.” Meanwhile, Gabov is a freelance producer and has also worked for several organisations including Reuters, said the Russian court press service. However, Reuters later released a statement saying that Gabov had previously "occasionally contributed to the Reuters news file," but "does not do any work for Reuters at this time." He was DW’s correspondent in Moscow in 2019 and 2020. Gabov reportedly also worked for the Russian broadcasters Moskva 24 and MIR, and Belarusian news agency Belsat. In recent years, Russia has ramped up its crackdown on dissent aimed at independent media, journalists, activists, and opposition figures. Several journalists have been arrested for their coverage of Navalny, who died in an Arctic penal colony in February, including photographer Antonina Favorskaya. Favorskaya was arrested last month and has been accused of participating in an “extremist organization” after she posted on the social media platforms of Navalny’s Foundation and covered his court hearings for years. She also filmed the last video of the Russian opposition leader before his death. Speaking to DW on Sunday (Apr 28), the director of the Andrei Sakharov Center for Human Rights, Sergey Lukashevsky, said that Gabov and Karelin would be found guilty. He explained that extremism charges could be levelled against individuals for “any connections, any contact with somebody of the Navalny team,” and called it a “repressive strategy.” Russia-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who works for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich are also being held by Russian authorities. Forbes Russia journalist placed under house arrest Sergei Mingazov, a journalist for Forbes Russia who was arrested for allegedly spreading “fake news” about Moscow’s army has been placed under house arrest by the court, reported Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, on Saturday (Apr 27). He will be under house arrest for at least two months as he awaits trial after being detained on Friday. According to Mingazov’s lawyer, he was detained for reposting articles about alleged Russian war crimes in Bucha, a suburb near the Ukrainian capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Russian journalists detained over ‘extremism’ after allegedly working for Navalny group

Red Sea Crisis: Yemen's Houthi rebels claim they shot down MQ-9 reaper drone

In the US hundreds of protesters have been arrested at schools from California to Boston as students set up encampments. While the students are demanding that their schools devest from companies involved in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Watch to know more.

Israel war | Pro-Palestine protests in US: Police arrest over 20 people at Pro-Palestine protests

<p>North Korea sent its highest-level delegation to Iran in several years. The delegation was led by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho&nbsp;who had travelled to Russia earlier this month and acted as a key player in trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.<img alt="North Korean External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho speaks during a meeting with Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov (not pictured) in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Nov. 15, 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81ab452b-aac4-44df-b7f6-5b946d516dab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/KimJongUn.png" /></p>

<p><em>North Korean External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho speaks during a meeting with Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov (not pictured) in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Nov. 15, 2023 | file via KCNA/Reuters</em></p>

<p>The Tehran-Pyongyang engagement raised many speculations in the West. Top of which was that there remains a real risk of North Korea mirroring the high-profile nature of its ties with Moscow — to help Putin win war in Ukraine — with Tehran as well amid ongoing conflict in West Asia centered around Israeli bombardment of Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Korea's spy agency issued a rare warning last week about cooperation between Iran and North Korea, and claimed that there is a possibility Pyongyang could have helped Iran in its attack on Israel. South Korea previously said North Korean weapons have been used by Hamas against Israel during war in Gaza.</p>

<p>Read more in The Capitals this week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</strong></h2>

<p>The World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting commenced in Riyadh on Sunday (April 28) to find solutions to a host of global challenges including wars and conflict, humanitarian issues, the climate and the economy.</p>

<p>Themed "Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development", the two-day meeting convenes more than 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries, including heads of state and government, thought leaders from public and private sectors, as well as international organisations, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).</p>

<h2><strong>Beijing, China</strong></h2>

<p>Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Sunday in a visit that took media by surprise. Musk is expected to&nbsp;meet senior officials&nbsp;to discuss the rollout of Full Self-Driving software, Reuters reported while citing a person with knowledge of the matter.</p>

<p>The US electric vehicle maker rolled out Full Self-Driving, or FSD, the most autonomous version of its Autopilot software, in 2020 but has yet to make it available in China, its second-largest market globally.</p>

<p>Musk said this month Tesla may make FSD available to customers in China "very soon"&nbsp;in response to a query on social media platform X.</p>

<h2><strong>Berlin, Germany</strong></h2>

<p>A little over a week after Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Beijing to promote business ties with his country's biggest trading partner,&nbsp;the German leader stood alongside UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin and described alleged Chinese espionage in Germany "very concerning".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling attempts to spy on Germany "unacceptable", Scholz and Sunak were giving a statement shortly after the spying cases erupted in both countries in the same week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Germany and the UK detain suspected Chinese spies</strong></p>

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<p>Uproar erupted in and beyond Berlin's corridors of power after an aide to a European Parliament member for the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was arrested on Tuesday (April 23). He is accused of passing information about discussions in the European Union legislature to Chinese intelligence and spying on the Chinese opposition.</p>

<p>The man, identified by prosecutors as Jian G, has been accused of "an especially severe instance" of espionage. It comes after the arrests of three German citizens accused of industrial spying for China in return for payment.</p>

<p>China has said that the spying accusations are "completely fabricated".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Abuja, Nigeria<img alt="Africa Summit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="903fd557-4774-4171-a35c-ffd952beceb8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AfricaSummit.png" /></strong></h2>

<p><em>High-Level African Counter Terrorism Meeting in Abuja on April 22, 2024 | X/@AUC_MoussaFaki</em></p>

<p>The Capitals on WION reported on July 31, 2023 how the coup in Niger in Africa's Sahel region led to the ouster of the country's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by his presidential guards.</p>

<p>Now that the status quo of Niamey's power structure lies with the army, and Washington has announced that it will withdraw some 1,000 troops from the country&nbsp;— African leaders met in Nigeria's capital Abuja.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit was jointly hosted by Abuja and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) with the aim of strengthening regional security response and cooperation against acts of terror.</p>

<p>"Terrorism snaps at the very fabric of the prosperous and just society we seek to build for ourselves and our children," Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said during remarks at the two-day summit in Abuja.</p>

<p>"This violent threat seeks to frighten the farmer from his field, children from their schools, women from the marketplace and families from their very homes. We must therefore fight this threat together, combining determined national effort with well-tailored and regional and international collaboration."</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-article-gutter="true" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/clvc2zyiy00063b6jfmc2rma6@published">Tinubu is also the chair of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. He&nbsp;urged the proper establishment&nbsp;of a regional standby military force. This force, initially proposed in response to the July 2023 coup in Niger, would act as a deterrent against acts of violence by&nbsp;terrorists in the region, he said.</p>

<p>According to a new study by the African Center for Strategic Studies, more than 23,000 people were killed in Africa last year — a 20 per cent increase compared to 2022.</p>

<p>That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.&nbsp;</p>


North Korea sent its highest-level delegation to Iran in several years. The delegation was led by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho who had travelled to Russia earlier this month and acted as a key player in trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

North Korea sent its highest-level delegation to Iran in several years. The delegation was led by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho who had travelled to Russia earlier this month and acted as a key player in trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. North Korean External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho speaks during a meeting with Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov (not pictured) in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Nov. 15, 2023 | file via KCNA/Reuters The Tehran-Pyongyang engagement raised many speculations in the West. Top of which was that there remains a real risk of North Korea mirroring the high-profile nature of its ties with Moscow — to help Putin win war in Ukraine — with Tehran as well amid ongoing conflict in West Asia centered around Israeli bombardment of Gaza. South Korea's spy agency issued a rare warning last week about cooperation between Iran and North Korea, and claimed that there is a possibility Pyongyang could have helped Iran in its attack on Israel. South Korea previously said North Korean weapons have been used by Hamas against Israel during war in Gaza. Read more in The Capitals this week. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting commenced in Riyadh on Sunday (April 28) to find solutions to a host of global challenges including wars and conflict, humanitarian issues, the climate and the economy. Themed "Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development", the two-day meeting convenes more than 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries, including heads of state and government, thought leaders from public and private sectors, as well as international organisations, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Beijing, China Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Sunday in a visit that took media by surprise. Musk is expected to meet senior officials to discuss the rollout of Full Self-Driving software, Reuters reported while citing a person with knowledge of the matter. The US electric vehicle maker rolled out Full Self-Driving, or FSD, the most autonomous version of its Autopilot software, in 2020 but has yet to make it available in China, its second-largest market globally. Musk said this month Tesla may make FSD available to customers in China "very soon" in response to a query on social media platform X. Berlin, Germany A little over a week after Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Beijing to promote business ties with his country's biggest trading partner, the German leader stood alongside UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin and described alleged Chinese espionage in Germany "very concerning". Calling attempts to spy on Germany "unacceptable", Scholz and Sunak were giving a statement shortly after the spying cases erupted in both countries in the same week. Also watch | Germany and the UK detain suspected Chinese spies × Uproar erupted in and beyond Berlin's corridors of power after an aide to a European Parliament member for the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was arrested on Tuesday (April 23). He is accused of passing information about discussions in the European Union legislature to Chinese intelligence and spying on the Chinese opposition. The man, identified by prosecutors as Jian G, has been accused of "an especially severe instance" of espionage. It comes after the arrests of three German citizens accused of industrial spying for China in return for payment. China has said that the spying accusations are "completely fabricated". Abuja, Nigeria High-Level African Counter Terrorism Meeting in Abuja on April 22, 2024 | X/@AUC_MoussaFaki The Capitals on WION reported on July 31, 2023 how the coup in Niger in Africa's Sahel region led to the ouster of the country's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by his presidential guards. Now that the status quo of Niamey's power structure lies with the army, and Washington has announced that it will withdraw some 1,000 troops from the country — African leaders met in Nigeria's capital Abuja. The summit was jointly hosted by Abuja and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) with the aim of strengthening regional security response and cooperation against acts of terror. "Terrorism snaps at the very fabric of the prosperous and just society we seek to build for ourselves and our children," Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said during remarks at the two-day summit in Abuja. "This violent threat seeks to frighten the farmer from his field, children from their schools, women from the marketplace and families from their very homes. We must therefore fight this threat together, combining determined national effort with well-tailored and regional and international collaboration." Tinubu is also the chair of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. He urged the proper establishment of a regional standby military force. This force, initially proposed in response to the July 2023 coup in Niger, would act as a deterrent against acts of violence by terrorists in the region, he said. According to a new study by the African Center for Strategic Studies, more than 23,000 people were killed in Africa last year — a 20 per cent increase compared to 2022. That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.

The Capitals: WEF special meet begins in Riyadh; Kim Jong-Un’s diplomatic top gun in Tehran; and more

Ukraine has quietly withdrawn its American Abrams tanks from the front line to avoid the growing threat from Russian drones. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian troops advance in Ukraine, take control of key positions

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal push - Pro-Palestine protests across US - Campus protestors detained - Magnitude 6.5 quake off Indonesia

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal push | Pro-Palestine protests across US

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<p>US authorities could cite the Indian ban on Chinese social media platform TikTok to build a strong case for similar&nbsp;action in the US, the chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, told&nbsp;India’s&nbsp;major newspaper&nbsp;The&nbsp;Economic Times.</p>

<p>The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the country.</p>

<h2><strong>USA's TikTok law</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, US President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on April 24 that would force TikTok to exit the US if its Chinese owner&nbsp;ByteDance&nbsp;fails&nbsp;to relinquish control over it and disinvest completely.</p>

<p>Now, the matter is highly&nbsp;likely to end up in US courts as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stressed last week that the facts and the&nbsp;USA’s&nbsp;constitution were on the&nbsp;company’s&nbsp;side.&nbsp;In a video statement, Chew&nbsp;said,&nbsp;the company&nbsp;isn't&nbsp;going anywhere.&nbsp;"Rest assured, we&nbsp;aren't&nbsp;going anywhere.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;TikTok CEO vows legal victory against ban threat</strong></p>

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<p>ByteDance also said&nbsp;in a statement&nbsp;that it did not have any plan to sell TikTok.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TikTok, which belongs to a nation&nbsp;where there is&nbsp;a heavy restriction on foreign apps and freedom of speech, said on X that the ban in&nbsp;US&nbsp;would&nbsp;"trample the free speech"&nbsp;of millions of Americans.</p>

<h2><strong>The first amendment vs national security</strong></h2>

<p>TikTok is banking on the&nbsp;constitution’s&nbsp;first amendment to pursue a potential ban in the courts of the law. It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government&nbsp;for a redress of&nbsp;grievances.</p>

<p>However, many believe the argument&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;work as the matter is related to national security.</p>

<p>"India’s&nbsp;action on TikTok could very well play a role in the litigation in the US,"&nbsp;Carr was quoted as saying by the ET.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwizvr2L-uSFAxXhbGwGHeurDlkQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-tiktok-star-umm-fahad-shot-outside-her-home-amid-controversy-over-dancing-videos-715754" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-tiktok-star-umm-fahad-shot-outside-her-home-amid-controversy-over-dancing-videos-715754&amp;ved=2ahUKEwizvr2L-uSFAxXhbGwGHeurDlkQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE">Iraqi TikTok star Umm Fahad shot outside her home amid controversy over dancing videos</a></strong></p>

<p>"Imagine that TikTok is going to argue that this is some sort of unique American obsession with China to foresee threats that&nbsp;don't&nbsp;exist,"&nbsp;Carr added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also further said that the fact that India banned the app&nbsp;is going to&nbsp;be potentially relevant in some&nbsp;of the&nbsp;court filings&nbsp;"..to show that this is a broad deep concern about TikTok and not simply some unique feature of&nbsp;America's&nbsp;viewpoint on China.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US authorities could cite the Indian ban on Chinese social media platform TikTok to build a strong case for similar action in the US, the chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, told India’s major newspaper The Economic Times.

US authorities could cite the Indian ban on Chinese social media platform TikTok to build a strong case for similar action in the US, the chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, told India’s major newspaper The Economic Times. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the country. USA's TikTok law Notably, US President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on April 24 that would force TikTok to exit the US if its Chinese owner ByteDance fails to relinquish control over it and disinvest completely. Now, the matter is highly likely to end up in US courts as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stressed last week that the facts and the USA’s constitution were on the company’s side. In a video statement, Chew said, the company isn't going anywhere. "Rest assured, we aren't going anywhere.” Watch: TikTok CEO vows legal victory against ban threat × ByteDance also said in a statement that it did not have any plan to sell TikTok. TikTok, which belongs to a nation where there is a heavy restriction on foreign apps and freedom of speech, said on X that the ban in US would "trample the free speech" of millions of Americans. The first amendment vs national security TikTok is banking on the constitution’s first amendment to pursue a potential ban in the courts of the law. It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. However, many believe the argument won’t work as the matter is related to national security. "India’s action on TikTok could very well play a role in the litigation in the US," Carr was quoted as saying by the ET. Also read: Iraqi TikTok star Umm Fahad shot outside her home amid controversy over dancing videos "Imagine that TikTok is going to argue that this is some sort of unique American obsession with China to foresee threats that don't exist," Carr added. He also further said that the fact that India banned the app is going to be potentially relevant in some of the court filings "..to show that this is a broad deep concern about TikTok and not simply some unique feature of America's viewpoint on China.” (With inputs from agencies)

India’s ban on TikTok to help US authorities win legal case against Chinese app, says top US official

An ammunition explosion at a base in south-western Cambodia has killed 20 soldiers and wounded several others. 25 villagers' homes were damaged as well. Watch in for more details!

Ammunition explosion at Cambodia military base kills 20 soldiers

On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released ‘proof of life’ videos of two hostages being held in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas releases new ‘Proof of Life’ videos of two hostages held in Gaza

<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday (Apr 28) said that the United States was the only country that could stop an Israeli invasion of the border city of Rafah in Gaza.</p>

<p>"We call on the United States of America to ask Israel not to carry on the Rafah attack. America is the only country able to prevent Israel from committing this crime," Abbas said at a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in the Saudi capital Riyadh.</p>

<p>He further stated that the Israeli offensive, which is expected to take place in the coming days, could prompt an evacuation in the region, pushing people out of the besieged Palestinian enclave, saying that this could be the "biggest catastrophe in the Palestinian people's history".</p>

<p>"What will happen in the coming few days is what Israel will do with attacking Rafah because all the Palestinians from Gaza are gathered there," Abbas said.</p>

<p>Further reiterating that he rejects the displacement of Palestinians into Jordan and Egypt, he expressed his concern over Israel completing its operation in Gaza stating that this would push the Palestinians to move out of the West Bank and take shelter in Jordan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hamas-reviewing-new-israeli-ceasefire-proposal-715737">Rafah operation could be suspended if hostage deal is secured, says Israeli foreign minister</a></p>

<p>“The third point is that we will not accept by any case the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank outside their homeland, and they must stay in their country, we must not repeat the Nakba of 1948 and of 1967,” the Palestinian president said.</p>

<p>Israel which ramped up the airstrikes on Rafah last week, for weeks threatened to launch an offensive in the Gaza strip with an aim to destroy Hamas' remaining battalions.</p>

<p>Countries including Israel's closest ally the US have called on Tel Aviv not to attack the southern city, which connects the Egyptian border and is providing shelter to over a million Palestinians who fled the Israeli assault.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday (Apr 28) said that the United States was the only country that could stop an Israeli invasion of the border city of Rafah in Gaza.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday (Apr 28) said that the United States was the only country that could stop an Israeli invasion of the border city of Rafah in Gaza. "We call on the United States of America to ask Israel not to carry on the Rafah attack. America is the only country able to prevent Israel from committing this crime," Abbas said at a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in the Saudi capital Riyadh. He further stated that the Israeli offensive, which is expected to take place in the coming days, could prompt an evacuation in the region, pushing people out of the besieged Palestinian enclave, saying that this could be the "biggest catastrophe in the Palestinian people's history". "What will happen in the coming few days is what Israel will do with attacking Rafah because all the Palestinians from Gaza are gathered there," Abbas said. Further reiterating that he rejects the displacement of Palestinians into Jordan and Egypt, he expressed his concern over Israel completing its operation in Gaza stating that this would push the Palestinians to move out of the West Bank and take shelter in Jordan. Also read: Rafah operation could be suspended if hostage deal is secured, says Israeli foreign minister “The third point is that we will not accept by any case the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank outside their homeland, and they must stay in their country, we must not repeat the Nakba of 1948 and of 1967,” the Palestinian president said. Israel which ramped up the airstrikes on Rafah last week, for weeks threatened to launch an offensive in the Gaza strip with an aim to destroy Hamas' remaining battalions. Countries including Israel's closest ally the US have called on Tel Aviv not to attack the southern city, which connects the Egyptian border and is providing shelter to over a million Palestinians who fled the Israeli assault. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says only US can stop Israel’s attack on Rafah

Tik Tok is in the crosshairs of authorities in the US a new law threatens a nationwide Ban unless its China-based parent bite dance divests it will be the biggest blow yet to the popular video sharing up which has faced various restrictions around the world. Watch in for more details!

TikTok CEO vows legal battle against US ban

<p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez may tender his resignation Monday (Apr 29) amidst allegations of corruption against his wife&nbsp;Begoña&nbsp;Gómez. Earlier, a court in Madrid opened an investigation against Gómez following a complaint by a self-styled trade&nbsp;union,&nbsp;called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands). The group is known to have links to the Spanish right-wing.</p>

<p>As Sánchez comes under heavy attack by opposition, the Spanish socialist leader has accused his rivals of waging continuous “harassment and bullying operation” against him and his&nbsp;family,&nbsp;in a letter that he wrote last week. Now, on Monday, the leader could decide on the future of his political career.</p>

<p>“Now that we’ve reached this point, the question I quite legitimately ask myself is: is it all worth it? I sincerely don’t know,” the prime minister wrote in his letter. “I need to stop and think about it.”</p>

<p>“We often forget that there are people behind politicians,” he wrote. “I’m not all embarrassed to say that I’m a man who’s deeply in love with his wife and who has to live with the helplessness of seeing all the mud that’s slung at her every single day.”</p>

<h2><strong>‘My wife innocent’</strong></h2>

<p>PM Sánchez has stressed that his wife is innocent and has been a victim of a smear campaign by his political right-wing opponents and media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjdrLa85eSFAxVe3jgGHYpVA48QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-pm-pedro-sanchez-considers-resignation-halts-public-duties-as-wife-faces-probe-714701" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-pm-pedro-sanchez-considers-resignation-halts-public-duties-as-wife-faces-probe-714701&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdrLa85eSFAxVe3jgGHYpVA48QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Spain`s PM Pedro Sanchez considers resignation, halts public duties as wife faces corruption probe</a></strong></p>

<p>He has alleged that the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party are colluding with groups like Manos Limpias and the media to run a campaign against his family.</p>

<h2><strong>Killing Sánchez ‘politically’</strong></h2>

<p>Sánchez believes his rivals&nbsp;on&nbsp;are on a mission to kill his political career. On Friday (Apr 26), two major Spanish newspapers published audio and transcripts of a 2014 meeting between a senior PP minister and a former police officer allegedly discussing plans to spy on Gómez’s father and kill Sánchez ‘politically’.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Spain reopens Pegasus probe, Spain PM Pedro Sanchez's phone infected by spyware</strong></p>

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<p>A twist came as Manos Limpias group&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;admitted its complaint against Gómez may have&nbsp;been based&nbsp;on misleading media reports.&nbsp;However, a day later, another right-wing&nbsp;group,&nbsp;named Hazte Oír (Make Yourself Heard) filed a new complaint against her for alleged influence-peddling.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez may tender his resignation Monday (Apr 29) amidst allegations of corruption against his wife Begoña Gómez. Earlier, a court in Madrid opened an investigation against Gómez following a complaint by a self-styled trade union, called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands).

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez may tender his resignation Monday (Apr 29) amidst allegations of corruption against his wife Begoña Gómez. Earlier, a court in Madrid opened an investigation against Gómez following a complaint by a self-styled trade union, called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands). The group is known to have links to the Spanish right-wing. As Sánchez comes under heavy attack by opposition, the Spanish socialist leader has accused his rivals of waging continuous “harassment and bullying operation” against him and his family, in a letter that he wrote last week. Now, on Monday, the leader could decide on the future of his political career. “Now that we’ve reached this point, the question I quite legitimately ask myself is: is it all worth it? I sincerely don’t know,” the prime minister wrote in his letter. “I need to stop and think about it.” “We often forget that there are people behind politicians,” he wrote. “I’m not all embarrassed to say that I’m a man who’s deeply in love with his wife and who has to live with the helplessness of seeing all the mud that’s slung at her every single day.” ‘My wife innocent’ PM Sánchez has stressed that his wife is innocent and has been a victim of a smear campaign by his political right-wing opponents and media. Also read: Spain`s PM Pedro Sanchez considers resignation, halts public duties as wife faces corruption probe He has alleged that the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party are colluding with groups like Manos Limpias and the media to run a campaign against his family. Killing Sánchez ‘politically’ Sánchez believes his rivals on are on a mission to kill his political career. On Friday (Apr 26), two major Spanish newspapers published audio and transcripts of a 2014 meeting between a senior PP minister and a former police officer allegedly discussing plans to spy on Gómez’s father and kill Sánchez ‘politically’. Watch: Spain reopens Pegasus probe, Spain PM Pedro Sanchez's phone infected by spyware × A twist came as Manos Limpias group on Thursday admitted its complaint against Gómez may have been based on misleading media reports. However, a day later, another right-wing group, named Hazte Oír (Make Yourself Heard) filed a new complaint against her for alleged influence-peddling. (With inputs from agencies)

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez could resign as rivals try to 'kill him politically’

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