The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK

UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view

Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations

Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador

Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club 

Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war 

Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce

Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked

South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz

World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train

Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit

Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test

BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit

What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?

UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years

Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa

Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell

Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth

Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns

Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs

Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway

Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets

FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam

Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks

New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest

<p><strong>Alexei Navalny wife Yulia:</strong> Putin critic Alexei Navalny is believed to have written "I love you more and more" in a letter to his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, as a final Valentine’s Day message. He sent the message from behind the bars, reported The Sun.</p>

<p>The jailed Russian opposition leader reportedly died Friday (Feb 16), according to Russian state media. The reports said he collapsed inside the brutal Polar Wolf jail and could not be resuscitated.</p>

<h2><strong>Alexei Navalny’s last message to his wife</strong></h2>

<p>Alexei Navalny wrote in his letter: "Baby, everything is like a song with you: between us there are cities, the take-off lights of airfields, blue snowstorms and thousands of kilometres.”</p>

<p>"But I feel that you are near every second, and I love you more and more," the embattled leader wrote in his last declaration of love.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Alexei Navalny’s wife?</strong></h2>

<p>Yulia Navalnaya, 47, has been described as Russia’s ‘first lady’ of the opposition. Yulia met Navalny in the summer of 1998 during holidays in Turkey. The couple got married two years later, in 2000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple has two children—a daughter Daria, 23, and a son Zakhar, 15.</p>

<p>Yulia Navalnaya was an economist and worked with several Russian banks before getting married to Navalny. She supported her husband throughout his long, perilous journey against the most powerful leader of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw36DCwZpK2Ic-S6PfZKAigv" data-ved="2ahUKEwig8dunlbCEAxVvzTgGHTrzDhsQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-the-embattled-putin-critic-now-reported-dead-what-you-need-to-know-690964" jsname="YKoRaf">Alexei Navalny, the embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: What you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2020, while Alexei Navalny battled death in Germany after allegedly being poisoned by Russian agents, Yulia used to brief journalists about his condition.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-dead-in-prison-says-russia-navalnys-team-says-not-informed-about-his-death-691001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Yulia Navalnaya’s reaction after reports of her husband’s death</strong></h2>

<p>Yulia said Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his associates will not go unpunished if the death of Alexei Navalny turns out to be true, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>She also called on the international community to join forces and stand up to the “horrific regime” of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny wife Yulia: Putin critic Alexei Navalny is believed to have written "I love you more and more" in a letter to his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, as a final Valentine’s Day message.

Alexei Navalny wife Yulia: Putin critic Alexei Navalny is believed to have written "I love you more and more" in a letter to his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, as a final Valentine’s Day message. He sent the message from behind the bars, reported The Sun. The jailed Russian opposition leader reportedly died Friday (Feb 16), according to Russian state media. The reports said he collapsed inside the brutal Polar Wolf jail and could not be resuscitated. Alexei Navalny’s last message to his wife Alexei Navalny wrote in his letter: "Baby, everything is like a song with you: between us there are cities, the take-off lights of airfields, blue snowstorms and thousands of kilometres.” "But I feel that you are near every second, and I love you more and more," the embattled leader wrote in his last declaration of love. Who is Alexei Navalny’s wife? Yulia Navalnaya, 47, has been described as Russia’s ‘first lady’ of the opposition. Yulia met Navalny in the summer of 1998 during holidays in Turkey. The couple got married two years later, in 2000. The couple has two children—a daughter Daria, 23, and a son Zakhar, 15. Yulia Navalnaya was an economist and worked with several Russian banks before getting married to Navalny. She supported her husband throughout his long, perilous journey against the most powerful leader of Russia. Also read: Alexei Navalny, the embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: What you need to know In 2020, while Alexei Navalny battled death in Germany after allegedly being poisoned by Russian agents, Yulia used to brief journalists about his condition. Watch: Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death × Yulia Navalnaya’s reaction after reports of her husband’s death Yulia said Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his associates will not go unpunished if the death of Alexei Navalny turns out to be true, Reuters reported. She also called on the international community to join forces and stand up to the “horrific regime” of Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Love you more and more,’ Navalny’s last message for his wife Yulia. Who is she?

<p>In a potential step forward toward the recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty, India and Taiwan on Friday (Feb 16) signed a significant agreement paving the way for the arrival of Indian migrant workers on the self-ruled island nation which China claims as its own.</p>

<p>The move comes as Taipei aims to diversify its foreign workforce, extending beyond its conventional recruitment from Southeast Asian nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-racism-overshadowed-india-taiwan-co-operation-660642">Explained | How racism overshadowed India-Taiwan co-operation</a></strong></p>

<p>Taiwan, the center of world's semiconductor production has been grappling with an aging population. The self-ruled island nation hosts approximately 700,000 migrant workers, primarily hailing from Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. These workers are predominantly employed in manufacturing roles or serve as home helpers for the elderly.</p>

<h2><strong>Implementation details yet to be finalised</strong></h2>

<p>The Ministry of Labour in Taiwan announced that the memorandum of understanding was formally exchanged between the de facto embassies in Taipei and Delhi. While the agreement signals a positive step, the implementation details are yet to be finalised.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-taiwan-set-to-sign-mobility-pact-in-october-enhancing-people-to-people-engagement-626648">India and Taiwan set to sign mobility pact in October, enhancing people-to-people engagement</a></strong></p>

<p>Taiwan in recent past has acknowledged the rising demand for labour in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and other sectors, surpassing the country's capacity to meet internally.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India and Taiwan sign a pact that will allow Indian workers to work in Taiwan. Visuals: <a href="https://t.co/jsRiIQRXF3">https://t.co/jsRiIQRXF3</a> <a href="https://t.co/qq94jy6OF2">pic.twitter.com/qq94jy6OF2</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1758486309000315207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Consequently, the annual requirement for migrant workers has been steadily increasing, which has also provided the self-ruled island to look for ways to formalise ties with countries that do not recognise its existence due to their formal acceptance of the 'One China Policy' under which countries only recognised Communist-ruled China.</p>

<h2><strong>What influx of Indian workers in Taiwan will be like?</strong></h2>

<p>The initial phase will witness a small-scale pilot program, and based on its success, a larger influx of Indian workers may follow. However, the ministry did not specify the exact number, stating that Taiwan would determine the final figures.</p>

<p>Contrary to earlier speculations of permitting up to 100,000 Indian workers, Taiwan clarified that such figures were yet to be confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, India does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. However, a robust business relationship persists, with India actively encouraging Taiwanese tech companies to invest and manufacture within its borders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a potential step forward toward the recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty, India and Taiwan on Friday (Feb 16) signed a significant agreement paving the way for the arrival of Indian migrant workers on the self-ruled island nation which China claims as its own.

In a potential step forward toward the recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty, India and Taiwan on Friday (Feb 16) signed a significant agreement paving the way for the arrival of Indian migrant workers on the self-ruled island nation which China claims as its own. The move comes as Taipei aims to diversify its foreign workforce, extending beyond its conventional recruitment from Southeast Asian nations. Also read | Explained | How racism overshadowed India-Taiwan co-operation Taiwan, the center of world's semiconductor production has been grappling with an aging population. The self-ruled island nation hosts approximately 700,000 migrant workers, primarily hailing from Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. These workers are predominantly employed in manufacturing roles or serve as home helpers for the elderly. Implementation details yet to be finalised The Ministry of Labour in Taiwan announced that the memorandum of understanding was formally exchanged between the de facto embassies in Taipei and Delhi. While the agreement signals a positive step, the implementation details are yet to be finalised. Also read | India and Taiwan set to sign mobility pact in October, enhancing people-to-people engagement Taiwan in recent past has acknowledged the rising demand for labour in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and other sectors, surpassing the country's capacity to meet internally. India and Taiwan sign a pact that will allow Indian workers to work in Taiwan. Visuals: https://t.co/jsRiIQRXF3 pic.twitter.com/qq94jy6OF2 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 16, 2024 × Consequently, the annual requirement for migrant workers has been steadily increasing, which has also provided the self-ruled island to look for ways to formalise ties with countries that do not recognise its existence due to their formal acceptance of the 'One China Policy' under which countries only recognised Communist-ruled China. What influx of Indian workers in Taiwan will be like? The initial phase will witness a small-scale pilot program, and based on its success, a larger influx of Indian workers may follow. However, the ministry did not specify the exact number, stating that Taiwan would determine the final figures. Contrary to earlier speculations of permitting up to 100,000 Indian workers, Taiwan clarified that such figures were yet to be confirmed. Notably, India does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. However, a robust business relationship persists, with India actively encouraging Taiwanese tech companies to invest and manufacture within its borders. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Taiwan move forward with key pact on labour cooperation

<p><strong>Alexei Navalny News:&nbsp;</strong>Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement.</p>

<p>"Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's Investigative Committee said that it had launched a probe into Navalny's death.</p>

<p>After the news of the 47-year-old's death broke, Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said that their team had no confirmation of this yet.</p>

<p>"The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on it,"&nbsp;said Yarmysh on social media platform X.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on…</p>
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1758457690429305206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the Navalny's death, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.</p>

<p>"It has been reported to the president," Peskov told journalists, adding that "it should be up to the medics to clarify" the cause of death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-the-embattled-putin-critic-now-reported-dead-what-you-need-to-know-690964">Navalny, embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: All you need to know</a></p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's life of defiance</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny has been known for campaigning against official corruption and organising major anti-Kremlin protests.</p>

<p>The exposes that he shared on his official YouTube channel, grabbed millions of views and prompted thousands of Russians to stage protests in the country.</p>

<p>Navalny was imprisoned in early 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was recovering from a deadly poisoning attack with Novichok, which is a Soviet-era nerve agent.</p>

<p>He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in a string of cases on charges that were widely condemned by independent rights groups and in the West as a retaliation for his opposition to the Kremlin.</p>

<h2><strong>Mysterious disappearance</strong></h2>

<p>In December 2023, Navalny's lawyers reported losing contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and said that his whereabouts were not known.</p>

<p>His lawyers had said that they made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be kept, but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7.</p>

<p>However, after two weeks, the staunch Kremlin critic released a statement saying that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post on X, he said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it."</p>

<p>"I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny News: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement.

Alexei Navalny News: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement. "Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the statement said. Russia's Investigative Committee said that it had launched a probe into Navalny's death. After the news of the 47-year-old's death broke, Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said that their team had no confirmation of this yet. "The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on it," said Yarmysh on social media platform X. The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on… — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 16, 2024 × President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the Navalny's death, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. "It has been reported to the president," Peskov told journalists, adding that "it should be up to the medics to clarify" the cause of death. Also read: Navalny, embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: All you need to know Navalny's life of defiance Navalny has been known for campaigning against official corruption and organising major anti-Kremlin protests. The exposes that he shared on his official YouTube channel, grabbed millions of views and prompted thousands of Russians to stage protests in the country. Navalny was imprisoned in early 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was recovering from a deadly poisoning attack with Novichok, which is a Soviet-era nerve agent. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in a string of cases on charges that were widely condemned by independent rights groups and in the West as a retaliation for his opposition to the Kremlin. Mysterious disappearance In December 2023, Navalny's lawyers reported losing contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and said that his whereabouts were not known. His lawyers had said that they made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be kept, but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7. However, after two weeks, the staunch Kremlin critic released a statement saying that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle. In a post on X, he said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it." "I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance

<p><strong>Alexei Navalny Death News:&nbsp;</strong>Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;has died in jail,&nbsp;as per reports by the state media.</p>

<p>Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had&nbsp;been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated&nbsp;in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.</p>

<p>Reports of Navalny's death comes almost&nbsp;a day after&nbsp;Michael Carpenter, the US&nbsp;Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time".&nbsp;According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a>'s rights and we call for… <a href="https://t.co/DB3dzT70RJ">pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ</a></p>
— Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbOSCE/status/1758159512849039525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Reports of death yet to be confirmed</strong></h2>

<p>As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>On X, <em><strong>Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov</strong></em>, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. <a href="https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0">https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0</a></p>
— Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioannZH/status/1758463748245790961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em><strong>Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov</strong></em> said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's&nbsp;lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison.<br />
<br />
We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true.<br />
<br />
Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp.</p>
— Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1758456557770101005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em><strong>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky</strong></em> during a press conference with&nbsp;German&nbsp;Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin".</p>

<p>"Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p><em><strong>United States Vice President Kamala Harris</strong></em> said her nation was&nbsp;working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality.</p>

<p><strong><em>Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak</em></strong> on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him.<br />
<br />
Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force.</p>
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1758466812885217699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, <em><strong>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak</strong></em>, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life.<br />
<br />
My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. <a href="https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh">https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh</a></p>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1758463245671690574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-life-of-defiance-and-mysterious-disappearance-690989">Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance</a></strong></p>

<p><em><strong>France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné </strong></em>taking&nbsp;to&nbsp;X&nbsp;to pay&nbsp;condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression.<br />
<br />
Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine.<br />
<br />
À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances.</p>
— Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) <a href="https://twitter.com/steph_sejourne/status/1758459000817877102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Condemning the death, <em><strong>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz</strong>, </em>during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky<em>&nbsp;</em>said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now."</p>

<p>"Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said.</p>

<p>"It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-putin-critic-and-russian-opposition-leader-dies-in-jail-690985/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong><em>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni</em></strong>, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison&nbsp;was a warning to the world.&nbsp;"The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she&nbsp;said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified".</p>

<p><em><strong>Charles Michel, the&nbsp;President of the European Council,</strong></em> called the death an "ultimate sacrifice".</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a> fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice.<br />
<br />
The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death.<br />
<br />
I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around…</p>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1758461749747966150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em><strong>Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of&nbsp;Latvia,</strong></em> labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whatever your thoughts about Alexey <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a> as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends.</p>
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) <a href="https://twitter.com/edgarsrinkevics/status/1758456656730423305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Reacting to the news,<em> <strong>former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi</strong>,</em> as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy."</p>

<p>"It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK</strong></em> said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. <a href="https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0">https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0</a></p>
— Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshFG/status/1758456350458147298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>How did Navalny&nbsp;die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason)</strong></h2>

<p><span style="font-size: 15px;">In a statement,&nbsp;Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."</span></p>

<p>"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.

Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. Reports of Navalny's death comes almost a day after Michael Carpenter, the US Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time". According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation. Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on @navalny's rights and we call for… pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ — Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) February 15, 2024 × Reports of death yet to be confirmed As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow. Also read | Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports On X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but no notifications have been made. В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0 — Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) February 16, 2024 × Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence. Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison. We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true. Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp. — Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) February 16, 2024 × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin". "Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters. United States Vice President Kamala Harris said her nation was working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality. Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him." putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him. Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force. — Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) February 16, 2024 × Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life." This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 16, 2024 × Also read | Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné taking to X to pay condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression." Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression. Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine. À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances. — Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) February 16, 2024 × Condemning the death, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now." "Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said. "It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said. Watch | Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail × Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison was a warning to the world. "The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified". Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, called the death an "ultimate sacrifice". Alexei @navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around… — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 16, 2024 × Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of Latvia, labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime." Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends. — Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) February 16, 2024 × Reacting to the news, former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy." "It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters. Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others." The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0 — Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) February 16, 2024 × How did Navalny die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason) In a statement, Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." "Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death

<p><strong>Alexei Navalny Death:&nbsp;</strong>Jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Russian state media reported while citing the prison authority of Yamalo-Nenets region where Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence. Navalny, aged 47, became the biggest anti-establishment figure in Russia in recent years due to his staunch criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has been the leader of the Russia of the Future party and founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny made global headlines when he was poisoned with a nerve agent in 2020.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened to Alexei Navalny?</strong></h2>

<p>Russian state media reported that Navalny died of a blood clot at the Arctic prison colony&nbsp;but the exact cause of his death could not be immediately ascertained. Navalny's lawyers have not yet confirmed his death and members of his team were on their way to the prison&nbsp;to personally verify jail authorities' claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-the-embattled-putin-critic-now-reported-dead-what-you-need-to-know-690964">Alexei Navalny, the embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: What you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia's federal penitentiary service said in a statement: "Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a></strong></p>

<p>The opposition politician&nbsp;returned to Russia in 2021&nbsp;and was reportedly in solitary confinement.</p>

<h2><strong>Alexei Navalny's last social media post before reports of his death</strong></h2>

<p>About 48 hours before the reports of Navalny's death started making rounds, a post on&nbsp;his X account alleged that the prison authorities were "pleasing the Moscow authorities" by purportedly intensifying his state of confinement in the prison.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BREAKING: Alexei Navalny dead, Russian prison authorities confirm death | World News | WION</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-alexei-navalny-dead-russian-prison-authorities-confirms-death-world-news-wion-690969/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"The Yamal colony decided to break the Vladimir record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in a punishment cell. That is, this is the 4th punishment cell in less than 2 months that I have been with them. They gesture [sic]," read the post.</p>


Alexei Navalny Death: Jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Russian state media reported while citing the prison authority of Yamalo-Nenets region where Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence.

Alexei Navalny Death: Jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Russian state media reported while citing the prison authority of Yamalo-Nenets region where Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence. Navalny, aged 47, became the biggest anti-establishment figure in Russia in recent years due to his staunch criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has been the leader of the Russia of the Future party and founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). Navalny made global headlines when he was poisoned with a nerve agent in 2020. What happened to Alexei Navalny? Russian state media reported that Navalny died of a blood clot at the Arctic prison colony but the exact cause of his death could not be immediately ascertained. Navalny's lawyers have not yet confirmed his death and members of his team were on their way to the prison to personally verify jail authorities' claim. Also read | Alexei Navalny, the embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: What you need to know Russia's federal penitentiary service said in a statement: "Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established." Also read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death The opposition politician returned to Russia in 2021 and was reportedly in solitary confinement. Alexei Navalny's last social media post before reports of his death About 48 hours before the reports of Navalny's death started making rounds, a post on his X account alleged that the prison authorities were "pleasing the Moscow authorities" by purportedly intensifying his state of confinement in the prison. Also watch | BREAKING: Alexei Navalny dead, Russian prison authorities confirm death | World News | WION × "The Yamal colony decided to break the Vladimir record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in a punishment cell. That is, this is the 4th punishment cell in less than 2 months that I have been with them. They gesture [sic]," read the post.

Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media

<p><strong>All You Need To Know About Alexei Navalny:</strong> Russia's most prominent opposition leader <strong>Alexei Navalny</strong> reportedly died on Friday (Feb 16), Russian state media reported citing prison officials. He has been hailed as the most prominent figure in Russia’s splintered opposition. His supporters looked at&nbsp;him&nbsp;as the Russian version of South Africa's Nelson Mandela who will one day walk free out of jail to lead the nation.</p>

<h2><strong>About Alexei Navalny</strong></h2>

<p>Alexei Navalny rose to prominence by writing hard-hitting columns against Russian President Vladimir Putin as a lawyer. In his blogs, Navalny would expose vast corruption among the Russian elites and claim the country was being ruled by "crooks and thieves".</p>

<p>Some called him overtly nationalist. He would march in Russian nationalist marches in the 2000s. His vehement opposition to migration and support for nationalistic movement prompted his expulsion from the liberal opposition party Yabloko in 2007.</p>

<p>But that did not deter him from continuing his perilous journey of standing up to the most powerful leader in the nation.</p>

<p>He would highlight the lavish lifestyle of top Russian leaders and would use the internet and drones to illustrate the vast holdings and luxury properties of the elites.</p>

<p>It was in 2011 when Navalny was arrested by Russian authorities for alleging fraud in the 2011 parliamentary elections that saw Putin’s party register a landslide victory.</p>

<h2><strong>The infamous poisoning of Alexei Navalny</strong></h2>

<p>In August 2020, Navalny was flying from Tomsk, in Siberia, to Moscow when he fell critically ill, leading to an emergency landing of the flight.</p>

<p>Navalny was flown to Germany where he was treated for the effects of a neurotoxin that German military tests showed to be Novichok, a poison developed in the Soviet Union.</p>

<p>Later, a joint media investigation identified a team of assassins reportedly linked to Russia's FSB security service. Putin dismissed the investigation as a smear, saying: "If someone had wanted to poison him, they would have finished him off."</p>

<h2><strong>Alexei Navalny returns to Russia</strong></h2>

<p>In a bold and voluntary move, Navalny chose to return to his homeland on January 17, 2021. There, he was arrested almost immediately, before a court handed him an imprisonment sentence of 2 years and 6 months for “violating the terms of a suspended sentence” by failing to report to his probation officer while receiving life-saving treatment in Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, in February 2022, Alexei Navalny was charged with fraud and in March 2022 sentenced to a nine-year prison term in a strict regime penal colony.</p>

<p>In May 2022, he faced more charges, that critics dubbed as politically motivated. He was accused of founding an extremist community.</p>

<p>Later in June, he was transferred to the strict regime penal colony, where he said he was kept in a “prison within prison” and forced to work while sitting on a low stool, which risked exacerbating his health problems.</p>

<p>"If they decide to kill me then it means we are incredibly strong and we need to use that power and not give up," Alexei Navalny said in an interview with CNN.</p>

<p>"We don't realise how strong we actually are," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


All You Need To Know About Alexei Navalny: Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny reportedly died on Friday (Feb 16), Russian state media reported citing prison officials.

All You Need To Know About Alexei Navalny: Russia's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny reportedly died on Friday (Feb 16), Russian state media reported citing prison officials. He has been hailed as the most prominent figure in Russia’s splintered opposition. His supporters looked at him as the Russian version of South Africa's Nelson Mandela who will one day walk free out of jail to lead the nation. About Alexei Navalny Alexei Navalny rose to prominence by writing hard-hitting columns against Russian President Vladimir Putin as a lawyer. In his blogs, Navalny would expose vast corruption among the Russian elites and claim the country was being ruled by "crooks and thieves". Some called him overtly nationalist. He would march in Russian nationalist marches in the 2000s. His vehement opposition to migration and support for nationalistic movement prompted his expulsion from the liberal opposition party Yabloko in 2007. But that did not deter him from continuing his perilous journey of standing up to the most powerful leader in the nation. He would highlight the lavish lifestyle of top Russian leaders and would use the internet and drones to illustrate the vast holdings and luxury properties of the elites. It was in 2011 when Navalny was arrested by Russian authorities for alleging fraud in the 2011 parliamentary elections that saw Putin’s party register a landslide victory. The infamous poisoning of Alexei Navalny In August 2020, Navalny was flying from Tomsk, in Siberia, to Moscow when he fell critically ill, leading to an emergency landing of the flight. Navalny was flown to Germany where he was treated for the effects of a neurotoxin that German military tests showed to be Novichok, a poison developed in the Soviet Union. Later, a joint media investigation identified a team of assassins reportedly linked to Russia's FSB security service. Putin dismissed the investigation as a smear, saying: "If someone had wanted to poison him, they would have finished him off." Alexei Navalny returns to Russia In a bold and voluntary move, Navalny chose to return to his homeland on January 17, 2021. There, he was arrested almost immediately, before a court handed him an imprisonment sentence of 2 years and 6 months for “violating the terms of a suspended sentence” by failing to report to his probation officer while receiving life-saving treatment in Germany. Later, in February 2022, Alexei Navalny was charged with fraud and in March 2022 sentenced to a nine-year prison term in a strict regime penal colony. In May 2022, he faced more charges, that critics dubbed as politically motivated. He was accused of founding an extremist community. Later in June, he was transferred to the strict regime penal colony, where he said he was kept in a “prison within prison” and forced to work while sitting on a low stool, which risked exacerbating his health problems. "If they decide to kill me then it means we are incredibly strong and we need to use that power and not give up," Alexei Navalny said in an interview with CNN. "We don't realise how strong we actually are," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny, the embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: What you need to know

<p>Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Saturday (Feb 17) that Hungary was "on course" towards ratifying Sweden's NATO bid this month. Hungary remains last holdout before Sweden can join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Orban was delivering state-of-the-nation address when he spoke about the issue.</p>

<p>"The good news is that our current dispute with Sweden is moving towards a conclusion," Orban said in his state-of-the-nation address.</p>

<p>"Together with the Swedish PM, we have taken important steps in order to rebuild trust," he said. He did not elaborate more on this point.</p>

<p>"We are on course to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO at the beginning of parliament's spring session," he added</p>

<p>The Hungarian parliament is due to reconvene on February 26.</p>

<p>Sweden abandoned its decades-old policy of military neutrality after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and applied to become member of NATO. In order to include a new country in the alliance, all member countries need to give their assent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Munich Security Conference 2024: Wars in West Asia and Ukraine in focus</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/munich-security-conference-2024-wars-in-west-asia-and-ukraine-in-focus-691262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Nothing to negotiate'</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom expected hope that Hungary soon ratifies Sweden's accession to NATO. The minister made it clear that there would be no negotiations on the ratifications. Orban has invited Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to "negotiate" Sweden's accession.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-withdraws-forces-from-avdiivka-hours-after-signing-french-security-deal-691084">Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal</a></strong></p>

<p>"There is nothing to negotiate, if there is a visit, it's not going to be a negotiation, that has been made very clear by my prime minister," said Billstrom earlier in the week.</p>

<p>Hungary supports Sweden in-principle but it has prolonged the ratification process. It has asked Sweden to stop "vilifying" Hungarian government. It is often accused of taking authoritarian turn.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The West has poured in billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military help. It was expected that after military help, Ukraine would stage a counteroffensive to win back territory lost to Russia. But this has not happened so far and Russian forces have been able to defend and dig-in.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Saturday (Feb 17) that Hungary was "on course" towards ratifying Sweden's NATO bid this month. Hungary remains last holdout before Sweden can join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Saturday (Feb 17) that Hungary was "on course" towards ratifying Sweden's NATO bid this month. Hungary remains last holdout before Sweden can join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Orban was delivering state-of-the-nation address when he spoke about the issue. "The good news is that our current dispute with Sweden is moving towards a conclusion," Orban said in his state-of-the-nation address. "Together with the Swedish PM, we have taken important steps in order to rebuild trust," he said. He did not elaborate more on this point. "We are on course to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO at the beginning of parliament's spring session," he added The Hungarian parliament is due to reconvene on February 26. Sweden abandoned its decades-old policy of military neutrality after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and applied to become member of NATO. In order to include a new country in the alliance, all member countries need to give their assent. Watch | Munich Security Conference 2024: Wars in West Asia and Ukraine in focus × 'Nothing to negotiate' Earlier this week, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom expected hope that Hungary soon ratifies Sweden's accession to NATO. The minister made it clear that there would be no negotiations on the ratifications. Orban has invited Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to "negotiate" Sweden's accession. Also Read | Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal "There is nothing to negotiate, if there is a visit, it's not going to be a negotiation, that has been made very clear by my prime minister," said Billstrom earlier in the week. Hungary supports Sweden in-principle but it has prolonged the ratification process. It has asked Sweden to stop "vilifying" Hungarian government. It is often accused of taking authoritarian turn. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The West has poured in billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military help. It was expected that after military help, Ukraine would stage a counteroffensive to win back territory lost to Russia. But this has not happened so far and Russian forces have been able to defend and dig-in. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary may ratify Sweden’s NATO bid this month, hints PM Orban

<p>In the latest,&nbsp;General Oleksandr Tarnavsky of Ukraine announced that Ukrainian forces had pulled out from the eastern town of Avdiivka. In other news, former US President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties.&nbsp;In India's foreign policy realm, External Affairs Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar held talks with his Canadian counterpart and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-withdraws-forces-from-avdiivka-hours-after-signing-french-security-deal-691084">Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412647-untitled-design-2024-02-17t075628255.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-fraud-case-trump-ordered-to-pay-nearly-355-mn-he-is-barred-from-doing-business-in-state-for-3-yrs-691092">New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay nearly $355 mn, he is barred from doing business in state for 3 years</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412650-untitled-design.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-ho-ho-ho-to-i-love-you-heres-how-putin-critic-alexei-navalny-described-his-last-days-in-arctic-prison-691111">'From Ho-ho-ho to I love you': Here's how Putin critic Alexei Navalny described his last days in Arctic prison</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412664-untitled-design-2024-02-17t084609413.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting.</p>

<p>Various&nbsp;rights groups as well as Western nations had widely condemned his 19-year prison sentence, which was seen by many as a punishment for trying to cross President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-jaishankar-meets-canadian-fm-blinken-in-munich-to-discuss-bilateral-ties-691096">India: S Jaishankar meets Canadian FM, Blinken in Munich to discuss bilateral ties</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412656-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-17t084621236.jpg?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly during the Munich Security Conference on Friday (Feb 16).&nbsp;The focus of their dialogue encompassed the current state of bilateral relations and global dynamics, amid strains arising from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-successfully-launches-new-h3-rocket-following-setback-last-year-691091">Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412652-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-17t082328227.jpg?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3.</p>

<p>This achievement comes as a welcome boost to Japan's space endeavours following the setback of last year's inaugural flight failure, reported&nbsp;Reuters.&nbsp;</p>


In the latest, General Oleksandr Tarnavsky of Ukraine announced that Ukrainian forces had pulled out from the eastern town of Avdiivka. In other news, former US President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.

In the latest, General Oleksandr Tarnavsky of Ukraine announced that Ukrainian forces had pulled out from the eastern town of Avdiivka. In other news, former US President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties. In India's foreign policy realm, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Canadian counterpart and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Click on the headlines to read more. Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay nearly $355 mn, he is barred from doing business in state for 3 years Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years. 'From Ho-ho-ho to I love you': Here's how Putin critic Alexei Navalny described his last days in Arctic prison Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting. Various rights groups as well as Western nations had widely condemned his 19-year prison sentence, which was seen by many as a punishment for trying to cross President Vladimir Putin. India: S Jaishankar meets Canadian FM, Blinken in Munich to discuss bilateral ties India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly during the Munich Security Conference on Friday (Feb 16). The focus of their dialogue encompassed the current state of bilateral relations and global dynamics, amid strains arising from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3. This achievement comes as a welcome boost to Japan's space endeavours following the setback of last year's inaugural flight failure, reported Reuters.

Morning news brief: Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, S Jaishankar in Munich, and more

<p>Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (Feb 17) said what Palestinian militant group Hamas did on October 7 was an act of terrorism. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian minister also warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza.</p>

<p>“We must be clear that what happened on October 7 was terrorism,” S Jaishankar said, adding, “No caveats, no justification, no explanation, it was terrorism.”</p>

<p>Jaishankar also said Israel’s response should have spared civilian lives.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">EAM Jaishankar <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> at Munich security conference on Israel Palestine issue:<br />
-Oct 7 was terrorism<br />
-Israel should be mindful of civilian casualties<br />
-Return hostages<br />
-Humanitarian corridor -Permanent Fix<br />
-India backs 2 state solution <a href="https://t.co/ZBWxQtJyg4">pic.twitter.com/ZBWxQtJyg4</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1758874331705442783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“It is important that Israel should have been very mindful of civilian casualties and that it has an obligation to observe international humanitarian law,” the EAM said.</p>

<p>The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.</p>

<p>Speaking of the hostages, Jaishankar said their release was important to secure a peace deal.</p>

<p>“The return of hostages is today imperative,” he said while sharing the stage with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.</p>

<p>Jaishankar further talked about the need to establish a humanitarian, sustainable corridor in Gaza to provide relief material to the Gazan population.</p>

<p>“There is a need for a humanitarian corridor, a sustainable corridor to provide relief,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel to comply with decreasing civilian losses, says UN top court</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-to-comply-with-decreasing-civilian-losses-says-un-top-court-691228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Jaishankar also talked about the need to have a long-term solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. He said India’s commitment towards a two-state solution has been unwavering and it was more urgent than ever to secure a solution.</p>

<p>“Eventually, there has to be a permanent fix, a long term fix, otherwise you’re going to see reoccurrence. India has certainly believed in a two-state solution, we maintain that position from many decades,” Jaishankar said. “And today many more countries in the world feel not just the two-state solution is necessary but it is more urgent than it was before,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3Mhc08spBH17te5IKjExcg" data-ved="2ahUKEwib79PezrKEAxXIU2wGHb-4D_EQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gaza-war-thousands-fleeing-rafah-as-israeli-military-campaign-intensifies-691224" jsname="YKoRaf">Israel-Hamas war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies</a></strong></p>

<p>Jaishankar also responded to criticism regarding India’s close relationship with Russia. While reaffirming India’s stance, Jaishankar said it should not be a problem for others.</p>

<p>"Is that a problem, why should that be a problem? if I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me. Is that a problem for others? I don't think so, suddenly in this case. We try to explain what are the different pulls and pressures that countries have. it's very hard to have that unidimensional relationship," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (Feb 17) said what Palestinian militant group Hamas did on October 7 was an act of terrorism. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian minister also warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza.

Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (Feb 17) said what Palestinian militant group Hamas did on October 7 was an act of terrorism. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian minister also warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza. “We must be clear that what happened on October 7 was terrorism,” S Jaishankar said, adding, “No caveats, no justification, no explanation, it was terrorism.” Jaishankar also said Israel’s response should have spared civilian lives. EAM Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar at Munich security conference on Israel Palestine issue: -Oct 7 was terrorism -Israel should be mindful of civilian casualties -Return hostages -Humanitarian corridor -Permanent Fix -India backs 2 state solution pic.twitter.com/ZBWxQtJyg4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 17, 2024 × “It is important that Israel should have been very mindful of civilian casualties and that it has an obligation to observe international humanitarian law,” the EAM said. The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Speaking of the hostages, Jaishankar said their release was important to secure a peace deal. “The return of hostages is today imperative,” he said while sharing the stage with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Jaishankar further talked about the need to establish a humanitarian, sustainable corridor in Gaza to provide relief material to the Gazan population. “There is a need for a humanitarian corridor, a sustainable corridor to provide relief,” he said. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Israel to comply with decreasing civilian losses, says UN top court × Jaishankar also talked about the need to have a long-term solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. He said India’s commitment towards a two-state solution has been unwavering and it was more urgent than ever to secure a solution. “Eventually, there has to be a permanent fix, a long term fix, otherwise you’re going to see reoccurrence. India has certainly believed in a two-state solution, we maintain that position from many decades,” Jaishankar said. “And today many more countries in the world feel not just the two-state solution is necessary but it is more urgent than it was before,” he added. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies Jaishankar also responded to criticism regarding India’s close relationship with Russia. While reaffirming India’s stance, Jaishankar said it should not be a problem for others. "Is that a problem, why should that be a problem? if I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me. Is that a problem for others? I don't think so, suddenly in this case. We try to explain what are the different pulls and pressures that countries have. it's very hard to have that unidimensional relationship," Jaishankar said. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: India’s Jaishankar says Israel should have been ‘mindful’ of civilian casualties, watch

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv announces withdrawal from Avdiivka, big win for Moscow | World News

<p>ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) on Saturday (Feb 17) successfully launched&nbsp;INSAT-3DS satellite marking its second successful launch this year. In other news spokeswoman of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny confirmed his death. Read this and more in Top 10 World News.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isros-launches-insat-3ds-successfully-marking-second-achievement-this-year-691242">ISRO launches INSAT-3DS successfully marking second achievement this year</a></strong></p>

<p>ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) was used for the launch that took place at 5:35 pm (IST) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre's Sriharikota range in southern India. INSAT-3DS has now been successfully placed in the intended orbit.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412745-insat-3ds-launch.jpg?imwidth=640" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexey-navalny-was-murdered-russian-opposition-leaders-spokeswoman-confirms-reports-of-his-death-691208">‘Alexei Navalny was murdered,’ Russian leader’s spokeswoman confirms demise</a></strong></p>

<p>Alexei Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh called for his body to be returned to the family "immediately".</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412721-succession-2024-02-17t165241696.jpg?imwidth=256" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-rawalpindi-commissioner-arrested-after-claiming-13-loser-candidates-given-victory-691189">Pak: Top official resigns after claiming losing candidates ‘declared’ winners</a></strong></p>

<p>Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha announced that he has resigned from his office after over a dozen losing candidates were declared winners in Feb 8 elections under his watch. Pakistan's election commission has rejected the allegations.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412710-untitled-design-2024-02-17t154810801.png?imwidth=256" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-indias-jaishankar-says-israel-should-have-been-mindful-of-civilian-casualties-691255">Jaishankar says Israel should have been mindful of civilian casualties in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian foreign minister warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412752-yearender-2023-16.jpg?imwidth=640" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-tributes-for-navalny-supporters-condemn-russia-hold-putin-accountable-for-his-death-691127">Alexei Navalny death: Over 170 supporters arrested in support rallies across Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Alexei Navalny's death: Navalny supporters worldwide mourned his death, blaming Putin. Demonstrations in Europe and the US saw calls for justice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412673-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-17t102452802.jpg?imwidth=640" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gaza-war-thousands-fleeing-rafah-as-israeli-military-campaign-intensifies-691224">Gaza war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel says it will ensure the region is evacuated before it is targeted. However, experts say there is nowhere to go due to the vast devastation left behind.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412731-yearender-2023-15.jpg?imwidth=640" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-battle-to-repel-russian-forces-held-back-by-zelensky-addresses-munich-security-conference-691173">Ukraine’s battle to repel Russian forces held back by...: Zelensky addresses Munich Security Conference</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC), President Zelensky said, "Feb 24 (when the war started) could have marked the end of the world we know. Every outbreak of war risks turning into a worldwide catastrophe."</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412713-00034jm3a9.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-attack-houthi-missile-strikes-india-bound-oil-tanker-691146">Red Sea attack: Houthi missile strikes India-bound oil tanker</a></strong></p>

<p>A Panamanian-flagged tanker, M/T Pollux, bound for India, was struck by a missile in the Red Sea, according to the US State Department.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412686-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-17t114142193.jpg?imwidth=640" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-gold-mine-stripped-of-licence-after-landslide-691270">Turkish gold mine stripped of licence after landslide</a></strong></p>

<p>Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said earlier Saturday that six managers at the mine had been arrested Friday evening, and two others released with conditions.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412762-succession-2024-02-17t212219504.jpg?imwidth=640" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-tributes-for-navalny-supporters-condemn-russia-hold-putin-accountable-for-his-death-691127">Alexei Navalny death: Over 170 supporters arrested in support rallies across Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Kremlin critics such as Navalny, Nemtsov, and Litvinenko have tragically met their demise through assassinations, suspicious deaths, or poisonings, reflecting the perilous risks of dissent in Russia. Their fates illuminate a pattern of suppression and impunity under Putin's regime, where opposition voices are silenced or they are eliminated.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412693-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-17t130805262.jpg?imwidth=640" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) on Saturday (Feb 17) successfully launched INSAT-3DS satellite marking its second successful launch this year. In other news spokeswoman of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny confirmed his death.

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) on Saturday (Feb 17) successfully launched INSAT-3DS satellite marking its second successful launch this year. In other news spokeswoman of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny confirmed his death. Read this and more in Top 10 World News. ISRO launches INSAT-3DS successfully marking second achievement this year ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) was used for the launch that took place at 5:35 pm (IST) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre's Sriharikota range in southern India. INSAT-3DS has now been successfully placed in the intended orbit. ‘Alexei Navalny was murdered,’ Russian leader’s spokeswoman confirms demise Alexei Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh called for his body to be returned to the family "immediately". Pak: Top official resigns after claiming losing candidates ‘declared’ winners Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha announced that he has resigned from his office after over a dozen losing candidates were declared winners in Feb 8 elections under his watch. Pakistan's election commission has rejected the allegations. Jaishankar says Israel should have been mindful of civilian casualties in Gaza Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian foreign minister warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza. Alexei Navalny death: Over 170 supporters arrested in support rallies across Russia Alexei Navalny's death: Navalny supporters worldwide mourned his death, blaming Putin. Demonstrations in Europe and the US saw calls for justice. Gaza war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies Israel says it will ensure the region is evacuated before it is targeted. However, experts say there is nowhere to go due to the vast devastation left behind. Ukraine’s battle to repel Russian forces held back by...: Zelensky addresses Munich Security Conference Addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC), President Zelensky said, "Feb 24 (when the war started) could have marked the end of the world we know. Every outbreak of war risks turning into a worldwide catastrophe." Red Sea attack: Houthi missile strikes India-bound oil tanker A Panamanian-flagged tanker, M/T Pollux, bound for India, was struck by a missile in the Red Sea, according to the US State Department. Turkish gold mine stripped of licence after landslide Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said earlier Saturday that six managers at the mine had been arrested Friday evening, and two others released with conditions. Alexei Navalny death: Over 170 supporters arrested in support rallies across Russia Kremlin critics such as Navalny, Nemtsov, and Litvinenko have tragically met their demise through assassinations, suspicious deaths, or poisonings, reflecting the perilous risks of dissent in Russia. Their fates illuminate a pattern of suppression and impunity under Putin's regime, where opposition voices are silenced or they are eliminated.

Top 10 world news: ISRO satellite launch; Navalny spokeswoman confirms death; and more

Munich Security Conference 2024 Day 2: World leaders gather for the sixtieth Munich Security Conference with growing concerns about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cohesion. Watch to know more!

Munich Security Conference 2024: US VP Kamal Harris warns against Republican Trump's World view

Munich Security Conference 2024 Day 2: World leaders gather for the sixtieth Munich Security Conference with growing concerns about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cohesion. Dr S Jaishankar at Munich panel with Blinken: On the sidelines of the Munich security conference India's external affairs minister S Jaishanker sat down with the American Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in an in-person event. S Jaishankar expanded on India's relationship with United States and Russia amidst Moscow's military operations in Kyiv. watch to know more!

Munich Security Conference 2024: India is non-west but not anti-west, says EAM S Jaishankar

<p lang="en-US">Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting.<br />
<br />
Various rights groups as well as Western nations had widely condemned his 19-year prison sentence, which was seen by many as a punishment for trying to cross President Vladimir Putin.<br />
<br />
While staying in prison, Navalny regularly sent messages through his lawyers and posted light-hearted messages on social media platforms.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Here's how Navalny described his final days in his own words</strong></h2>

<h3 lang="en-US">'I don't say ho-ho-ho, I say oh-oh-oh'</h3>

<p lang="en-US">Navalny shared his first message from the Arctic prison colony on December 26 as he reappeared after weeks of disappearance.<br />
<br />
Speaking from the icy IK-3 prison colony located in Yamal-Nenets' Siberian region, Navalny said, "I am your new grandfather Frost. I have a tulup, an ushanka and I will have valenki soon.”</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">"I now live above the Arctic Circle ... But I don't say 'ho-ho-ho, I say 'oh-oh-oh' when I look out the window, where first there is night, then evening, then night again,” he added.<br />
<br />
He also spoke about getting tired from&nbsp;the 20-day journey he had to take to reach his new prison from his previous prison which was located in the central Vladimir region. "Don't worry about me, everything is well. I am so happy that I finally got here,” he said.<br />
<br />
Sharing more detail about the new Arctic prison, Navalny had said, "The idea that Putin was pleased (enough) that he had put me in a barracks in the Far North that they would stop throwing me in solitary confinement was ... naive.”<br />
<br />
He was allowed to go on a walk at 6:30 am when it was pitch black outside, speaking about which the 47-year-old said: "I promised myself I would go out in any weather."</p>

<h3 lang="en-US"><strong>'11 steps from wall to wall'</strong></h3>

<p lang="en-US">He described his prison in Arctic Circle as being "11 steps from wall to wall".<br />
<br />
In a January 9 post, Navalny said, "It has never been colder than minus 32 (Celsius). Even in such a temperature you can walk more than half an hour -- only if you have the time to grow back a nose, ears and fingers. Today I was walking, freezing and thinking about Leonardo DiCaprio and his trick with a dead horse in The Revenant."</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;EU says Russia 'sole responsible' for Navalny death</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-says-russia-sole-responsible-for-navalny-death-691002/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h3 lang="en-US"><strong>'Listening to I'm Russian'</strong></h3>

<p lang="en-US">The 47-year-old Putin critic also constantly ridiculed prison routines. On January 22, he wrote how the prison wardens would wake everyone up at IK-3 and play the Russian national anthem.<br />
<br />
"And right after that -- the second most important song in the country: Shaman's 'Ya Russky,'" Navalny said. The song, which means "I'm Russian" in English, has become President Vladimir Putin's unofficial anthem.<br />
<br />
"Imagine the scene. Yamal-Nenets region. Polar night. In a penal colony of convicts, prisoner Navalny serving 19 years -- who the Kremlin's propaganda for years has scolded for taking part in Russian marches -- is exercising to 'Ya Russky',” he said.</p>

<h3 lang="en-US"><strong>'I love you'</strong></h3>

<p lang="en-US">The last post was shared by Navalny on Valentine's Day and was dedicated to his wife Yulia.<br />
<br />
"Baby, you and I have everything, just like in the song: cities, airfield lights, blue snowstorms and thousands of kilometres between us. But I feel that you are near me every second, and I love you more and more,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting.

Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting. Various rights groups as well as Western nations had widely condemned his 19-year prison sentence, which was seen by many as a punishment for trying to cross President Vladimir Putin. While staying in prison, Navalny regularly sent messages through his lawyers and posted light-hearted messages on social media platforms. Here's how Navalny described his final days in his own words 'I don't say ho-ho-ho, I say oh-oh-oh' Navalny shared his first message from the Arctic prison colony on December 26 as he reappeared after weeks of disappearance. Speaking from the icy IK-3 prison colony located in Yamal-Nenets' Siberian region, Navalny said, "I am your new grandfather Frost. I have a tulup, an ushanka and I will have valenki soon.” Also Read: Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media "I now live above the Arctic Circle ... But I don't say 'ho-ho-ho, I say 'oh-oh-oh' when I look out the window, where first there is night, then evening, then night again,” he added. He also spoke about getting tired from the 20-day journey he had to take to reach his new prison from his previous prison which was located in the central Vladimir region. "Don't worry about me, everything is well. I am so happy that I finally got here,” he said. Sharing more detail about the new Arctic prison, Navalny had said, "The idea that Putin was pleased (enough) that he had put me in a barracks in the Far North that they would stop throwing me in solitary confinement was ... naive.” He was allowed to go on a walk at 6:30 am when it was pitch black outside, speaking about which the 47-year-old said: "I promised myself I would go out in any weather." '11 steps from wall to wall' He described his prison in Arctic Circle as being "11 steps from wall to wall". In a January 9 post, Navalny said, "It has never been colder than minus 32 (Celsius). Even in such a temperature you can walk more than half an hour -- only if you have the time to grow back a nose, ears and fingers. Today I was walking, freezing and thinking about Leonardo DiCaprio and his trick with a dead horse in The Revenant." Watch: EU says Russia 'sole responsible' for Navalny death 'Listening to I'm Russian' The 47-year-old Putin critic also constantly ridiculed prison routines. On January 22, he wrote how the prison wardens would wake everyone up at IK-3 and play the Russian national anthem. "And right after that -- the second most important song in the country: Shaman's 'Ya Russky,'" Navalny said. The song, which means "I'm Russian" in English, has become President Vladimir Putin's unofficial anthem. "Imagine the scene. Yamal-Nenets region. Polar night. In a penal colony of convicts, prisoner Navalny serving 19 years -- who the Kremlin's propaganda for years has scolded for taking part in Russian marches -- is exercising to 'Ya Russky',” he said. 'I love you' The last post was shared by Navalny on Valentine's Day and was dedicated to his wife Yulia. "Baby, you and I have everything, just like in the song: cities, airfield lights, blue snowstorms and thousands of kilometres between us. But I feel that you are near me every second, and I love you more and more,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'From ho-ho-ho to I love you': Here's how Putin critic Alexei Navalny described his last days in Arctic prison

<p>Paris police shot dead a man who threatened them early Saturday with a meat cleaver, prosecutors said, adding that they opened fire after using a Taser.</p>

<p>The man was born in 1984 in Sudan and had no criminal record, they said, adding that two investigations had been launched over the man's action and the police response.</p>

<p>He was wearing an Arab-style robe and brandished a meat cleaver and carried a notebook with Arabic writing at a tram stop in eastern Paris.</p>

<p>When police arrived on the scene, the man refused to drop the cleaver and proceeded towards the police, prosecutors said.</p>

<p>According to first reports, four police officers fired their pistols a total of about 20 times, they said, adding that none of the police on the scene were injured.</p>

<p>The four who opened fire had been taken to hospital in a state of "shock", the prosecutors said.</p>


Paris police shot dead a man who threatened them early Saturday with a meat cleaver, prosecutors said, adding that they opened fire after using a Taser. The man was born in 1984 in Sudan and had no criminal record, they said, adding that two investigations had been launched over the man's action and the police response.

Paris police shot dead a man who threatened them early Saturday with a meat cleaver, prosecutors said, adding that they opened fire after using a Taser. The man was born in 1984 in Sudan and had no criminal record, they said, adding that two investigations had been launched over the man's action and the police response. He was wearing an Arab-style robe and brandished a meat cleaver and carried a notebook with Arabic writing at a tram stop in eastern Paris. When police arrived on the scene, the man refused to drop the cleaver and proceeded towards the police, prosecutors said. According to first reports, four police officers fired their pistols a total of about 20 times, they said, adding that none of the police on the scene were injured. The four who opened fire had been taken to hospital in a state of "shock", the prosecutors said.

France cleaver attack: Paris police shoot dead Sudan-born man

<p>The Turkish government on Saturday shut down a gold mine where nine workers are still missing after a landslide.</p>

<p>Environmental groups and even industry associations have been calling for the controversial mine to be stripped of its operating permit ever since a massive landslide rolled over the open pit Tuesday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Environment Ministry Saturday said in a statement it was withdrawing the mine's "environmental permit", without which it cannot operate.</p>

<p>According to a preliminary experts' report, the mine's managers didn't take the necessary precautions even though they were aware of cracks in the mine's slag heap. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said earlier Saturday that six managers at the mine had been arrested Friday evening, and two others released with conditions.</p>

<p>According to Turkish press reports, a Canadian citizen working for the Anagold company that runs the mine was among the detained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Toronto and Denver-based SSR Mining holds 80 per cent of Anagold, with the rest held by Turkish company Lidya.</p>

<p>The mine, which employs 667 people, closed for a few months after a 2022 cyanide leak caused by a burst pipe but then re-opened after its operator paid a fine, prompting outcries from Turkey's opposition parties.</p>

<p>Efforts to find the missing miners have been slowed by the risk of fresh landslides. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Clearing the mass of earth that covers the riverbed is our priority, and we want to avoid the risk of contaminating the water," Bayraktar told a press conference near the site of the accident in the north-east of the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, the earth could contain cyanide used to extract gold, which risks polluting the region which is a watershed for the Euphrates River.</p>

<p>The minister said water is being tested daily in nine different locations and there is no health risk for the moment.&nbsp;</p>


The Turkish government on Saturday shut down a gold mine where nine workers are still missing after a landslide. Environmental groups and even industry associations have been calling for the controversial mine to be stripped of its operating permit ever since a massive landslide rolled over the open pit Tuesday.

The Turkish government on Saturday shut down a gold mine where nine workers are still missing after a landslide. Environmental groups and even industry associations have been calling for the controversial mine to be stripped of its operating permit ever since a massive landslide rolled over the open pit Tuesday. The Environment Ministry Saturday said in a statement it was withdrawing the mine's "environmental permit", without which it cannot operate. According to a preliminary experts' report, the mine's managers didn't take the necessary precautions even though they were aware of cracks in the mine's slag heap. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said earlier Saturday that six managers at the mine had been arrested Friday evening, and two others released with conditions. According to Turkish press reports, a Canadian citizen working for the Anagold company that runs the mine was among the detained. Toronto and Denver-based SSR Mining holds 80 per cent of Anagold, with the rest held by Turkish company Lidya. The mine, which employs 667 people, closed for a few months after a 2022 cyanide leak caused by a burst pipe but then re-opened after its operator paid a fine, prompting outcries from Turkey's opposition parties. Efforts to find the missing miners have been slowed by the risk of fresh landslides. "Clearing the mass of earth that covers the riverbed is our priority, and we want to avoid the risk of contaminating the water," Bayraktar told a press conference near the site of the accident in the north-east of the country. According to experts, the earth could contain cyanide used to extract gold, which risks polluting the region which is a watershed for the Euphrates River. The minister said water is being tested daily in nine different locations and there is no health risk for the moment.

Turkish gold mine stripped of licence after landslide

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrmzNH1pwoCzv" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years.</p>

<p>Justice Engoron cancelled his prior ruling in Sept last year that ordered the "dissolution" of companies that control pillars of Trump's real estate empire. He said on Friday that this was no longer necessary because he is appointing an independent monitor and compliance director to oversee the 77-year-old Republican's business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his ruling, Engoron said that Trump and the other defendants in the civil fraud case were incapable of admitting the error of their ways. "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological. Instead, they adopt a 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' posture that the evidence belies," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>The case</strong></h2>

<p>The civil fraud case came into light after a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms. Trump's two sons- Eric and Donald Trump Jr were also found liable in the case and ordered to pay more than $4 million each.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-hush-money-case-new-york-judge-sets-march-25-date-for-historic-trump-criminal-trial-690678">Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic criminal trial of Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>The former president faces no threat of imprisonment as the case is civil and not criminal. Friday's ruling is a major blow to his business empire and financial standing.</p>

<p>Justice Engoron said on Friday that Trump and his companies' past run-ins with the law were part of the reason for the stiff penalties. The Trump Organization was found guilty of criminal tax fraud in 2022, and two other entities Trump ran previously settled allegations of wrongdoing brought by the state of New York, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a trial testimony in November last year, Trump conceded that the value of some of his properties&nbsp;were inaccurate but insisted banks were obligated to do their own due diligence.</p>

<h2><strong>'Crooked Biden"</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has accused President Joe Biden of driving the civil fraud case calling it "weaponisation against a political opponent who's up a lot in the polls", and vowed to appeal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A New York State judge just ruled, and he's crooked as you could get and a lot of people expected something like this, but not for the amount. But this is a very dishonest man. This is a man that's been overturned already on this case four times," Trump said on Friday.</p>

<p>"This judge thought Mar-a-Lago is worth 18 million dollars and it's worth anywhere from 50 to 100 times that amount. So, we realized that. He ruled against me before he even got the case. He ruled against me, said I was guilty. He didn't know what I was guilty of before he even got the case. And Letitia James, that's another case altogether. She's a horribly corrupt attorney general, and it's all having to do with election interference,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Fani Willis blames Trump co-defendants of 'lying' in court about misconduct</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-fani-willis-blames-trump-co-defendants-of-lying-in-court-about-misconduct-690762/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>His lawyer Alina Habba, meanwhile, said in a statement that the ruling was a "manifest injustice" and the "culmination of a multi-year, politically fueled witch hunt" against Trump.</p>

<p>"This is not just about Donald Trump - if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business," Habba added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16).

Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years. Justice Engoron cancelled his prior ruling in Sept last year that ordered the "dissolution" of companies that control pillars of Trump's real estate empire. He said on Friday that this was no longer necessary because he is appointing an independent monitor and compliance director to oversee the 77-year-old Republican's business. In his ruling, Engoron said that Trump and the other defendants in the civil fraud case were incapable of admitting the error of their ways. "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological. Instead, they adopt a 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' posture that the evidence belies," he said. The case The civil fraud case came into light after a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms. Trump's two sons- Eric and Donald Trump Jr were also found liable in the case and ordered to pay more than $4 million each. Also read | Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic criminal trial of Trump The former president faces no threat of imprisonment as the case is civil and not criminal. Friday's ruling is a major blow to his business empire and financial standing. Justice Engoron said on Friday that Trump and his companies' past run-ins with the law were part of the reason for the stiff penalties. The Trump Organization was found guilty of criminal tax fraud in 2022, and two other entities Trump ran previously settled allegations of wrongdoing brought by the state of New York, Reuters reported. During a trial testimony in November last year, Trump conceded that the value of some of his properties were inaccurate but insisted banks were obligated to do their own due diligence. 'Crooked Biden" Trump has accused President Joe Biden of driving the civil fraud case calling it "weaponisation against a political opponent who's up a lot in the polls", and vowed to appeal. "A New York State judge just ruled, and he's crooked as you could get and a lot of people expected something like this, but not for the amount. But this is a very dishonest man. This is a man that's been overturned already on this case four times," Trump said on Friday. "This judge thought Mar-a-Lago is worth 18 million dollars and it's worth anywhere from 50 to 100 times that amount. So, we realized that. He ruled against me before he even got the case. He ruled against me, said I was guilty. He didn't know what I was guilty of before he even got the case. And Letitia James, that's another case altogether. She's a horribly corrupt attorney general, and it's all having to do with election interference,” he added. Also watch | US: Fani Willis blames Trump co-defendants of 'lying' in court about misconduct × His lawyer Alina Habba, meanwhile, said in a statement that the ruling was a "manifest injustice" and the "culmination of a multi-year, politically fueled witch hunt" against Trump. "This is not just about Donald Trump - if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business," Habba added. (With inputs from agencies)

New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay nearly $355 mn, barred from doing business in state for 3 yrs

<p lang="en-US">Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal.<br />
<br />
"Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favourable lines," said Tarnavsky, on Telegram.<br />
<br />
"In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten-to-one shelling advantage, under constant bombardment, this is the only right decision. Encirclement was prevented, personnel were withdrawn, and our soldiers took up defence at the designated lines,” he added.<br />
<br />
Avdiivka, which is a gateway to Donetsk,&nbsp;a city seized by Russia, has been completely destroyed after seeing fierce fighting in recent months.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-reinforcing-troops-in-embattled-eastern-town-of-avdiivka-as-russia-steps-up-attacks-690872">Ukraine says reinforcing troops in embattled eastern town of Avdiivka as Russia steps up attacks</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">Since 2014, it became a battlefield town after large swathes of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions were seized by the Russian-backed fighters.<br />
<br />
The fall of Avdiivka marks the most significant change in the front line since Russia seized Bakhmut in May 2023. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.<br />
<br />
This was also the first major decision taken by Ukraine's new military chief Oleksandr Syrsky after being appointed on February 8. Syrsky said that the troops were withdrawn to preserve the lives of soldiers and stop their encirclement.<br />
<br />
"I decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines,” said Syrsky on Facebook. "Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy," he added.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Zelensky signs French security deal</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Feb 16) signed a security pact at the Elysee palace, hours after signing a similar deal with Germany, which was hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "historic step" to confirm the country's support to Kyiv in the battle against Russia.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-medical-use-of-cannabis-now-legal-in-ukraine-691075/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">The agreement with France includes a French pledge to provide Ukraine with up to €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, as per&nbsp;officials. The pact is likely to go on for 10 years and will strengthen co-operation between the two countries in the area of artillery.<br />
<br />
As per&nbsp;officials, the deal is aimed at helping Ukraine with the "re-establishment of its territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders", and forestall "any renewed Russian aggression".<br />
<br />
"France affirms that a future Ukrainian membership would constitute a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe," the officials said, quoting the agreement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days.

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. "Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favourable lines," said Tarnavsky, on Telegram. "In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten-to-one shelling advantage, under constant bombardment, this is the only right decision. Encirclement was prevented, personnel were withdrawn, and our soldiers took up defence at the designated lines,” he added. Avdiivka, which is a gateway to Donetsk, a city seized by Russia, has been completely destroyed after seeing fierce fighting in recent months. Also Read: Ukraine says reinforcing troops in embattled eastern town of Avdiivka as Russia steps up attacks Since 2014, it became a battlefield town after large swathes of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions were seized by the Russian-backed fighters. The fall of Avdiivka marks the most significant change in the front line since Russia seized Bakhmut in May 2023. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. This was also the first major decision taken by Ukraine's new military chief Oleksandr Syrsky after being appointed on February 8. Syrsky said that the troops were withdrawn to preserve the lives of soldiers and stop their encirclement. "I decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines,” said Syrsky on Facebook. "Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy," he added. Zelensky signs French security deal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Feb 16) signed a security pact at the Elysee palace, hours after signing a similar deal with Germany, which was hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "historic step" to confirm the country's support to Kyiv in the battle against Russia. Watch: Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine The agreement with France includes a French pledge to provide Ukraine with up to €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, as per officials. The pact is likely to go on for 10 years and will strengthen co-operation between the two countries in the area of artillery. As per officials, the deal is aimed at helping Ukraine with the "re-establishment of its territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders", and forestall "any renewed Russian aggression". "France affirms that a future Ukrainian membership would constitute a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe," the officials said, quoting the agreement. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal

Heavy rains in the South American country of Bolivia have triggered massive flooding and swollen Rivers resulting in landslides that have destroyed thousands of houses. Residents of La Paz Labor to salvage their belongings in a partially evacuated neighborhood landslides after Relentless rain Swept Away the houses. People in the area were looking for their belongings amid the debris of once what was their home.

Bolivia: Six dead, two children missing after heavy rains

<p>Egpyt has scrapped the plan to restore the cladding on one of three great pyramids of Giza, said a committee formed by the country's tourism minister in a statement on Saturday (Feb 17).</p>

<p>The head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, had made the announcement of the Menkaure pyramid's renovation in the month of January, dubbing it "the project of the century".</p>

<p>The renovation work, which was aimed at restoring the structure's authentic style by revamping the granite layer, triggered a severe backlash.</p>

<p>This further prompted Egypt's antiquities ministry to review the project and set up a committee to do so.</p>

<p>The ministry had then made an announcement saying that it set up a "scientific committee chaired by... Zahi Hawass", a renowned Egyptian archaeologist, to review the project.</p>

<p>The committee it said comprised "experts in engineering and archaeology" from the Czech Republic, Germany and the United States, as well as Egypt.</p>

<p>The committee's final report will include "the necessary procedures and steps to coordinate with (the UN heritage agency) UNESCO".</p>

<p>"A decision will be made on whether to proceed with the project or not," it had earlier said.</p>

<p>At the time the pyramid was built, it was sheathed in granite. However, with the passage of time, pilfering and weathering led to the depletion of its many layers, leaving only seven of them in modern times.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-battle-to-repel-russian-forces-held-back-by-zelensky-addresses-munich-security-conference-691173">Ukraine’s battle to repel Russian forces held back by...: Zelensky addresses Munich Security Conference</a></p>

<p>Waziri had said that the project to replace the granite would proceed only after a year of scanning and documentation.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the reviewing committee say?</strong></h2>

<p>The reviewing committee on Thursday said that it has unanimously come to a decision to not go ahead with the restoration plan stating that it would ruin the structure.</p>

<p>"The Menkaure Pyramid Review Committee has unanimously objected to the reinstallation of the granite casing blocks, scattered around the base of the pyramid since thousands of years ago," the committee said in a statement on Thursday.</p>

<p>The head of the committee Hawass, said that it would be impossible to figure out the original placement of each block. Replacing them would also require cement, which would ruin the pyramid.</p>

<p>"What I want to say is don't worry, the pyramids of Giza are safe, and nothing will happen to them," Hawass told news agency Reuters. "People everywhere are calling me, writing letters, emails. They are worried. Don't be worried at all, the pyramids are safe, and no one can touch the pyramid of Menkaure."</p>

<p>The seven-member committee had initially given the consent to unearth Menkaure pyramid's boat pits, alike the Pharaonic bark pits discovered alongside Khufu's pyramid adjoining Menkaure's, but only after a "clear and detailed scientific study".</p>

<p>"In archaeology, don't be in a hurry. If you are in a hurry, you will ruin the site," Hawass said. "It is important for any kind of work to be done at the site of the pyramids, is to make a study and to tell us what to do."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Egpyt has scrapped the plan to restore the cladding on one of three great pyramids of Giza, said a committee formed by the country's tourism minister in a statement on Saturday (Feb 17).

Egpyt has scrapped the plan to restore the cladding on one of three great pyramids of Giza, said a committee formed by the country's tourism minister in a statement on Saturday (Feb 17). The head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, had made the announcement of the Menkaure pyramid's renovation in the month of January, dubbing it "the project of the century". The renovation work, which was aimed at restoring the structure's authentic style by revamping the granite layer, triggered a severe backlash. This further prompted Egypt's antiquities ministry to review the project and set up a committee to do so. The ministry had then made an announcement saying that it set up a "scientific committee chaired by... Zahi Hawass", a renowned Egyptian archaeologist, to review the project. The committee it said comprised "experts in engineering and archaeology" from the Czech Republic, Germany and the United States, as well as Egypt. The committee's final report will include "the necessary procedures and steps to coordinate with (the UN heritage agency) UNESCO". "A decision will be made on whether to proceed with the project or not," it had earlier said. At the time the pyramid was built, it was sheathed in granite. However, with the passage of time, pilfering and weathering led to the depletion of its many layers, leaving only seven of them in modern times. Also read: Ukraine’s battle to repel Russian forces held back by...: Zelensky addresses Munich Security Conference Waziri had said that the project to replace the granite would proceed only after a year of scanning and documentation. What did the reviewing committee say? The reviewing committee on Thursday said that it has unanimously come to a decision to not go ahead with the restoration plan stating that it would ruin the structure. "The Menkaure Pyramid Review Committee has unanimously objected to the reinstallation of the granite casing blocks, scattered around the base of the pyramid since thousands of years ago," the committee said in a statement on Thursday. The head of the committee Hawass, said that it would be impossible to figure out the original placement of each block. Replacing them would also require cement, which would ruin the pyramid. "What I want to say is don't worry, the pyramids of Giza are safe, and nothing will happen to them," Hawass told news agency Reuters. "People everywhere are calling me, writing letters, emails. They are worried. Don't be worried at all, the pyramids are safe, and no one can touch the pyramid of Menkaure." The seven-member committee had initially given the consent to unearth Menkaure pyramid's boat pits, alike the Pharaonic bark pits discovered alongside Khufu's pyramid adjoining Menkaure's, but only after a "clear and detailed scientific study". "In archaeology, don't be in a hurry. If you are in a hurry, you will ruin the site," Hawass said. "It is important for any kind of work to be done at the site of the pyramids, is to make a study and to tell us what to do." (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt scraps pyramid renovation plan after international outcry

Lawyers for the Biden administration and Texas faced off in a federal court in Austin on Thursday to argue whether a new state law that would allow police to arrest people suspected of crossing the Texas-Mexico border illegally should go into effect next month.

Texas Governor to build military base near US-Mexico border | US-Mexico Migrant Crisis

The civil fraud case came into light after a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms.

New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay $355 mn, barred from doing business in state for 3 yrs

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced protests across the country on Saturday against what it called widespread rigging in the general elections.

Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging

The countdown for the launch of the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite begins. ISRO prepares to launch its 16th mission on Feb 17.

India: INSAT-3DS to lift off from Sriharikota

<p>A South Korean pastor who for decades was hailed as hero for helping North Koreans escape the country has been handed jail sentence for sexually abusing minors. Chun Ki-won (67), founder of the NGO Durihana in South Korean capital Seoul has been helping people escape the hardline rule in North Korea for decades through routes in China. But now, a court in South Korea has found him guilty of sexually harassing minors at the school he founded at his NGO.</p>

<p>"The victims are making consistent statements and it includes content that cannot be stated without first-hand experience of the circumstances", said Judge Seung-jeong Kim of the Seoul Central District Court, as reported by BBC.</p>

<p>The judge noted that Chun committed the crime from a position of influence he had on account of rescue of these minors.</p>

<p>Chun, who faces allegations of molesting six North Korean teenagers, was arrested in September. He had denied sexual assault charges but the court held him guilty.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | North Korea tests new rocket launcher amid tensions in Korean peninsula</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-tests-new-rocket-launcher-amid-tensions-in-korean-peninsula-689419/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The pastor was often called the 'Asian Schindler' after Oskar Schindler who rescued 1,100 Jews during Holocaust.</p>

<p>Over the years, he made a positive reputation for himself and North Korea has in the past taken his name and objected to his activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2002, Chun Ki-won made headlines when he was jailed in China for seven months while he was on a rescue mission.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/korean-scientists-develop-non-vegetarian-rice-and-claim-it-to-be-much-more-eco-friendly-source-of-protein-690531">Korean scientists develop 'non-vegetarian' rice, claim it to be much more eco-friendly source of protein</a></strong></p>

<p>Chun's work has been widely covered global media houses like the BBC, The New York Times and the CNN.</p>

<p>NK News reported citing information in court documents that the sexual abuse took place between 2016 and 2023. The victims reportedly include 'five children and adolescent'. The news outlet reported that a volunteer at the school helped the children press charges against Chun Ki-won after the person witnessed the sexual abuse.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A South Korean pastor who for decades was hailed as hero for helping North Koreans escape the country has been handed jail sentence for sexually abusing minors. Chun Ki-won (67), founder of the NGO Durihana in South Korean capital Seoul has been helping people escape the hardline rule in North Korea for decades through routes in China.

A South Korean pastor who for decades was hailed as hero for helping North Koreans escape the country has been handed jail sentence for sexually abusing minors. Chun Ki-won (67), founder of the NGO Durihana in South Korean capital Seoul has been helping people escape the hardline rule in North Korea for decades through routes in China. But now, a court in South Korea has found him guilty of sexually harassing minors at the school he founded at his NGO. "The victims are making consistent statements and it includes content that cannot be stated without first-hand experience of the circumstances", said Judge Seung-jeong Kim of the Seoul Central District Court, as reported by BBC. The judge noted that Chun committed the crime from a position of influence he had on account of rescue of these minors. Chun, who faces allegations of molesting six North Korean teenagers, was arrested in September. He had denied sexual assault charges but the court held him guilty. Watch | North Korea tests new rocket launcher amid tensions in Korean peninsula × The pastor was often called the 'Asian Schindler' after Oskar Schindler who rescued 1,100 Jews during Holocaust. Over the years, he made a positive reputation for himself and North Korea has in the past taken his name and objected to his activities. In 2002, Chun Ki-won made headlines when he was jailed in China for seven months while he was on a rescue mission. Also Read | Korean scientists develop 'non-vegetarian' rice, claim it to be much more eco-friendly source of protein Chun's work has been widely covered global media houses like the BBC, The New York Times and the CNN. NK News reported citing information in court documents that the sexual abuse took place between 2016 and 2023. The victims reportedly include 'five children and adolescent'. The news outlet reported that a volunteer at the school helped the children press charges against Chun Ki-won after the person witnessed the sexual abuse. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean pastor, hailed for years as 'Asian Schindler', jailed for sexual abuse

<p>Out of the 99 journalists killed in 2023, 77 lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday (Feb 15), according to AFP.</p>

<p>The CPJ stated that the conflict made these 12 months the deadliest for the media industry.</p>

<p>It said that the number of deaths of the reporters would have dropped globally year-on-year had the war not broken between the two sides.</p>

<p>However, it added that the fatalities were stable in Somalia and the Philippines.</p>

<p>"In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said.</p>

<p>This is the highest-ever death toll reported since the year 2015 and also an increase of approximately 44 per cent on 2022's figures.</p>

<p>"In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-builds-wall-deploys-tanks-on-gaza-border-to-prevent-refugee-influx-report-690935">Egypt builds wall, deploys tanks on Gaza border to prevent refugee influx if Israel enters Rafah: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>72 out of 77 journalists killed in war were Palestinians</strong></h2>

<p>The New York-based press freedom organisation highlighted that out of the 77 journalists killed in the Israel-Hamas war, 72 were Palestinians.</p>

<p>Three Lebanese and two Israelis were also killed.</p>

<p>"Journalists in Gaza are bearing witness on the frontlines," said CPJ chief executive Jodie Ginsberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The immense loss suffered by Palestinian journalists in this war will have long-term impacts for journalism not just in the Palestinian territories but for the region and beyond. Every journalist killed is a further blow to our understanding of the world,"&nbsp;Ginsberg further said.</p>

<p>Earlier, on Feb 7, the organisation said that the number of journalists killed in the Gaza conflict had risen to 85.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CPJ has called it "persecution" of journalists by Israeli forces, and said that it was investigating if the journalists who lost their lives in the war were deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Out of the 99 journalists killed in 2023, 77 lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday (Feb 15), according to AFP.

Out of the 99 journalists killed in 2023, 77 lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday (Feb 15), according to AFP. The CPJ stated that the conflict made these 12 months the deadliest for the media industry. It said that the number of deaths of the reporters would have dropped globally year-on-year had the war not broken between the two sides. However, it added that the fatalities were stable in Somalia and the Philippines. "In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said. This is the highest-ever death toll reported since the year 2015 and also an increase of approximately 44 per cent on 2022's figures. "In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said. Also read: Egypt builds wall, deploys tanks on Gaza border to prevent refugee influx if Israel enters Rafah: Report 72 out of 77 journalists killed in war were Palestinians The New York-based press freedom organisation highlighted that out of the 77 journalists killed in the Israel-Hamas war, 72 were Palestinians. Three Lebanese and two Israelis were also killed. "Journalists in Gaza are bearing witness on the frontlines," said CPJ chief executive Jodie Ginsberg. "The immense loss suffered by Palestinian journalists in this war will have long-term impacts for journalism not just in the Palestinian territories but for the region and beyond. Every journalist killed is a further blow to our understanding of the world," Ginsberg further said. Earlier, on Feb 7, the organisation said that the number of journalists killed in the Gaza conflict had risen to 85. CPJ has called it "persecution" of journalists by Israeli forces, and said that it was investigating if the journalists who lost their lives in the war were deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

77 of 99 journalists killed in 2023 lost their lives in Israel-Hamas war: Report

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news