Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and several other officials were found dead on Monday, hours after their helicopter crashed in a foggy, mountainous region of the country's northwest, state media reported. The crash comes as the Middle East remains unsettled by the Israel-Hamas war, during which Raisi, who was 63, under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched an unprecedented drone-and-missile attack on Israel just last month. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (right) and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a file photo. Pic/AFP During Raisi's term in office, Iran enriched uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels, further escalating tensions with the West as Tehran also supplied bomb-carrying drones to Russia for its war in Ukraine and armed militia groups across the region. Meanwhile, Iran has faced years of mass protests against its Shiite theocracy over its ailing economy and women's rights--making the moment that much more sensitive for Tehran and the future of the country. Khamenei hours later announced Iran's first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, would serve as the country's acting president until elections are held. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2024 07:43 AM IST | Dubai | AgenciesAttacks on political candidates in Mexico’s violence-torn southern state of Chiapas have left at least 14 people dead in recent days, local authorities and candidates said. The latest attack targeted the car driving Nicolás Noriega, who is running to lead the municipal government of the town of Mapastepec. Noriega confirmed the attack to The Associated Press and said he was wounded and at least five people from his campaign were fatally shot. Running under the country’s ruling party, Morena didn’t add more details and was noticeably shaken after the attack. The Chiapas Prosecutor’s Office also confirmed the attack. Photos shared by local media showed a red truck dotted by bullet holes, and bloodied bodies laying in the trunk and on the ground. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2024 07:40 AM IST | Tapachula | AgenciesThe chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Monday he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during the seven-month war. Karim Khan said that he believes Netanyahu, his defence minister Yoav Gallant and three Hamas leaders—Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh—are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Speaking of the Israeli actions, Khan said in a statement that “the effects of the use of starvation as a method of warfare, together with other attacks and collective punishment against the civilian population of Gaza are acute, visible and widely known. They include malnutrition, dehydration, profound suffering and an increasing number of deaths among the Palestinian population, including babies, other children, and women.” Israel, Hamas react Israel’s foreign minister said the call was “a historic disgrace that would be remembered forever”. Israel Katz said he would form a special committee to fight back against such action. In a statement, Hamas accused the prosecutor of trying to “equate the victim with the executioner”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2024 07:38 AM IST | The Hague | AgenciesWikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can appeal against extradition to the United States on espionage charges, a London court ruled on Monday, reported news agency AP. High Court judges Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson said Assange has grounds to challenge the United Kingdom's government's extradition order. Assange faces 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his website's publication of a trove of classified US documents almost 15 years ago. The Australian computer expert has spent the last five years in a British high-security prison after taking refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for seven years.Lawyers for Assange argued Monday that the US provided blatantly inadequate assurances the WikiLeaks founder would have free press protections if extradited to America to face espionage charges. Lawyer Edward Fitzgerald said prosecutors had failed to guarantee that Assange, who is an Australian citizen and claims protections as a journalist for publishing US classified information, could rely on press protections of the First Amendment of the US Constitution. "The real issue is whether an adequate assurance has been provided to remove the real risk identified by the court," Fitzgerald said. "It is submitted that no adequate assurance has been made." The hearing in the High Court in London could end with Assange being sent to the US to face espionage charges, or could provide him another chance to appeal his extradition. The outcome will depend on how much weight judges give to assurances US officials have provided that Assange's rights won't be trampled if he goes on trial.Assange, 52, has been indicted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his website's publication of a trove of classified US documents almost 15 years ago. American prosecutors allege that Assange encouraged and helped US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to steal diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks published. Assange's lawyers have argued he was a journalist who exposed US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sending him to the US, they said, would expose him to a politically motivated prosecution and risk a "flagrant denial of justice." The US government says Assange's actions went way beyond those of a journalist gathering information, amounting to an attempt to solicit, steal and indiscriminately publish classified government documents. In March, two judges rejected the bulk of Assange's arguments but said he could take his case to the Court of Appeal unless the US guaranteed he would not face the death penalty if extradited and would have the same free speech protections as a US citizen. The court said that if Assange couldn't rely on the First Amendment then it was arguable his extradition would be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, which also provides free speech and media protections. The US provided those reassurances, but Assange's legal team and supporters argue they are not good enough to rely on to send him to the US federal court system because the First Amendment promises fall short. The US said Assange could seek to rely on the amendment but it would be up to a judge to decide whether he could.Attorney James Lewis, representing the US, said Assange's conduct was "simply unprotected" by the First Amendment. "No one, neither US citizens nor foreign citizens, are entitled to rely on the First Amendment in relation to publication of illegally obtained national defence information giving the names of innocent sources, to their grave and imminent risk of harm," Lewis said. The WikiLeaks founder, who has spent the past five years in a British prison, was not in court to hear his fate being debated. He did not attend for health reasons, Fitzgerald said. Commuters emerging from a Tube stop near the courthouse couldn't miss a large sign bearing Assange's photo and the words, "Publishing is not a crime. War crimes are." Scores of supporters gathered outside the neo-Gothic Royal Courts of Justice chanting "Free Julian Assange" and "Press freedom, Assange freedom."Some held a large white banner aimed at President Joe Biden, exhorting "Let him go Joe." Assange's lawyers say he could face up to 175 years in prison if convicted, though American authorities have said any sentence would likely be much shorter. Assange's family and supporters say his physical and mental health have suffered during more than a decade of legal battles, which includes seven years spent inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London from 2012 until 2019. He has spent the past five years in a British high-security prison. Biden said last month that he was considering a request from Australia to drop the case and let Assange return to his home country.Officials provided no other details but Stella Assange said it was "a good sign" and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the comment was encouraging. (With inputs from AP)
20 May,2024 06:21 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentThe chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said on Monday that he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during the seven-month war, reported news agency AP. Karim Khan said that he believes Netanyahu, his defence minister Yoav Gallant and three Hamas leaders - Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh - are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Speaking of the Israeli actions, Khan said in a statement that the effects of the use of starvation as a method of warfare, together with other attacks and collective punishment against the civilian population of Gaza are acute, visible and widely known. They include malnutrition, dehydration, profound suffering and an increasing number of deaths among the Palestinian population, including babies, other children, and women. Of the Hamas actions on October 7, he said that he saw for himself "the devastating scenes of these attacks and the profound impact of the unconscionable crimes charged in the applications filed today. Speaking with survivors, I heard how the love within a family, the deepest bonds between a parent and a child, were contorted to inflict unfathomable pain through calculated cruelty and extreme callousness. These acts demand accountability. (With inputs from AP)
20 May,2024 05:40 PM IST | The Hague | mid-day online correspondentVice President Mohammad Mokhber has been appointed to assume interim duties by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Monday after President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash a day before Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has been appoinnted to assume interim duties by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Monday in light of President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash a day before. Iranian State media earlier today confirmed the deaths of the 63-year-old Raisi, his foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and seven others in Sunday's helicopter crash in the mountainous region of the country's East Azerbaijan province a day earlier. Meanwhile, the Iranian cabinet has appointed Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani as acting foreign minister following the death of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. As per an ANI report, in a message issued on Monday morning, Khamenei expressed his great sadness over the deaths and offered condolences to people of his country. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is expected to assume interim duties shortly. "In accordance with Article 131 of the constitution, Mokhber is in charge of leading the executive branch," Khamenei said in a statement. He added that Mokhber will be required to work with the heads of legislative and judicial to prepare for presidential elections "within a maximum period of 50 days," he said. Earlier today, Iranian state media IRNA shared drone footage shot by the the Red Crescent showing the wreckage of the crashed helicopter. News outlet Tasnim, which is affiliated to the country's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps reported that Raisi's funeral will be held tomorrow in Tabriz. Kani has served as deputy foreign minister since September 2021, reported Al Jazeera. Moreover, he was deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council between 2007 and 2013, Al Jazeera reported. The helicopter carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and his accompanying delegation crashed a day ago in the Dizmar forest, nestled between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province, state media Press TV reported today. The Iranian President was returning following a visit to Azerbaijan when his helicopter came down in bad weather conditions. Iran's Supreme Leader described Raisi as a hard-working cleric and a popular president who dedicated his life to serving the people of Iran, the country, and Islam, according to IRNA. "In this bitter tragedy, the Iranian nation lost a warm-hearted, humble, and valued servant," Khamenei said, adding that President Raisi never stopped his hard and round-the-clock work for the people of Iran despite being faced with criticism from ill-wishers. Moreover, the Iranian Supreme Leader also expressed sadness over the deaths of other senior officials who were with President Raisi in the helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the Tabriz Friday prayer leader, and the provincial governor. (With inputs from ANI)
20 May,2024 04:08 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentIranian President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has died in the helicopter crash, Mehr News Agency, a semi-official news agency of the Iranian government said on Monday, reported news agency ANI. However, there has been no official confirmation of this. Mehr news agency today reported that the Iranian president, foreign minister and other occupants of the helicopter, including East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati, have been "martyred". There is still no official confirmation that Raisi is dead, but medics have said that they found "no signs" of life at the crash site, reported ANI. The crash site of the helicopter carrying President Raisi was found in the forested mountains earlier today. Drone footage shared by Iranian state news agency IRNA showed wreckage of President Raisi's helicopter. The footage was shot by the Red Crescent, reported ANI. The wreckage was found on the route from Khoylar village to Kelem. Tasnim News Agency reported from Varzeqan that after the probable coordinates of the crash site were announced, rescue teams immediately went to the designated location, but there was no sign of the helicopter, reported ANI. The search operation continued as daylight broke along the Khoylar to Kelem route. Rescue teams then noticed the helicopter's blades and wings on a hill and immediately changed their course towards the hill. The Iranian Red Crescent head highlighted that, according to the videos from the rescue teams, the entire cabin of the helicopter was significantly damaged and burned, adding that there were no signs of survivors on the site, reported ANI. As the Iranian rescue teams located Raisi's helicopter, no clue of any living persons was reported in the crash, according to Iran-based Press TV. He did not give further detail but said "the condition is not good", state news agency IRNA reported. "73 rescue teams are present in the search area of the helicopter in Tawal village with advanced and specialized equipment", he added, reported ANI. Raisi was returning to Iran following a visit to Azerbaijan when his helicopter came down in bad weather conditions on Sunday afternoon. Nine people were on the helicopter that crashed in northwest Iran on Sunday, including three officials, an imam, and flight and security team members, as reported by Tasnim News. The IRGC-run media outlet, Sepah, reported the nine included: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian; Governor of Eastern Azerbaijan province Malek Rahmati, Tabriz's Friday prayer Imam Mohammad Ali Alehashem as well as a pilot, copilot, crew chief, head of security, and another bodyguard, reported ANI. For the first time, Iran is going through such a situation. The country has never seen something similar with the president and the foreign minister disappearing in a helicopter crash, reported Al Jazeera. The incident sparked global attention, and the foreign countries extended help with the search operations. The Turks sent their drones and the Russians sent their equipment, while the global leaders and the people of Iran prayed for the Iranian president and the other people on board, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
20 May,2024 10:20 AM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentThe Saudi Royal Court said Sunday that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, will undergo medical examinations at the Royal Clinics of Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah due to a high fever and joint pain. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Court added that the medical team will conduct tests to diagnose his condition and monitor his health. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 May,2024 08:54 AM IST | Jeddah | ANIAmid tensions with China across its waters, Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te is all set to take the oath as the new President of Taiwan on Monday morning and is being closely watched by the world, NHK World Japan reported. Lai will take the oath of office at the presidential office on Monday morning before delivering an inaugural address outside the building later in the day. As Taiwan's new President-elect, Lai Ching-te's swearing-in ceremony draws near, the island's coastguard has ramped up patrols over the weekend amid increasing presence of Chinese vessels, according to Al Jazeera. Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu are Taiwan's three main outlying islands. The Coast Guard Administration of Taiwan announced on Sunday that it had dispatched personnel to "patrol all hours of the day and night" near these islands. Lai won the presidential election in January to succeed the incumbent, Tsai Ing-wen, who has served two consecutive four-year terms. They both belong to the Democratic Progressive Party. Lai's inauguration will mark the first time for the DPP to assume a third straight presidency. On January 13, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, Lai, won the much-anticipated Taiwanese presidential polls and is set to be the next president amid concerns over escalating tensions with China. This marks the historic third-straight victory for the DPP after Tsai Ing-wena completed her two terms as Taiwan's President since 2016.According to the Central Election Commission report, Lai received over 5 million votes and more than 40 per cent of the vote share after counting was done from over 90 per cent of polling stations as of 7:45 pm (local time). Previously undecided voters split three ways among the candidates, giving Lai a seven-point lead over Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih, who received 33 per cent of the total votes. In third place, Taiwan People's Party candidate Ko Wen-je took 26 per cent of the national vote, performing marginally better than expected, according to Taiwan News. Lai, who previously served as Tainan's mayor, has pledged to continue bolstering national defense, the economy, and cooperation with democratic allies. He also said he would maintain deterrence and uphold the cross-strait status quo, during an election speech. Lai said he would form a new government staffed by individuals based on their 'capabilities' rather than 'party affiliation', adding that this way, "it could effectively respond to challenges, be open and inclusive, and unite Taiwanese to face both domestic and international challenges". He also vowed to continue initiatives focusing on value-based diplomacy, cross-strait stability, defense self-sufficiency, economic upgrading, energy transition, youth investment, housing justice, and educational equality. After his election victory, Lai told a news conference that he would maintain the status quo in Taiwan's relations with China, NHK Japan World reported. He also said at the time that, on the basis of parity and dignity, he would seek dialogue with China instead of confrontation, and confidently promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. Meanwhile, Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China. It considers the "1992 Consensus" as a prerequisite for China to engage in dialogue with the DPP administration. According to The consensus was reportedly reached in 1992 between Taiwan's then-ruling Kuomintang party and China's Communist Party to affirm that there is only "one China." But each side has its own interpretation. China appears ready to further ratchet up pressure on Taiwan, depending on the content of Lai's speech. China said on Wednesday that the new leader of the "Taiwan region" must make a clear choice between "whether to follow the will of the people and take the path of peaceful development, or to go against popular will and engage in provocation and confrontation." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 May,2024 08:26 AM IST | Taiwan | ANIIn a grand show of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2024 re-election campaign, Overseas Friends of BJP UK organised a car rally at Basingstoke in England on Sunday. A convoy of over 100 cars traversed through the towns of Basingstoke, Reading, Newbury, Slough, and surrounding areas, culminating in a fervent gathering at a special 'Puja'. The rally, which commenced from various starting points, converged at the Bounty Cricket Ground in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Following the rally, a special puja of Lord Ram was held at Carnival Hall, Basingstoke, with more than 200 devotees praying for the success of PM Modi's goal of winning over 400 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha election, the organisers said in a release. The prayer ceremony was led by the Global President of Gaudiya Mission, Bhakti Sundar Sanyasi Maharaj, invoking blessings for PM Modi's victory. Prominent attendees at the event included Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) UK President Kuldeep Singh Sekhawat, OFBJP UK General Secretary Suresh Mangalagiri, President of Basingstoke Hindu Society Prashant Shirode, and President-Acharya of Gaudiya Mission UK Sripad Bhakti Dipak Damodar Maharaj. Other notable figures present were Bikram Banerjee, Rajesh Vishwakarma, Vishwanath, Yogesh Somawar, and Hirdesh Gupta. Separately, Indian women in the UK gathered in traditional attire in front of the UK Parliament on Saturday, showcasing cultural pride and extending political support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general elections. These women from diverse diasporas, representing regions including, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, and Odisha, were participating in the ongoing grand celebration of democracy in India in their own unique ways. The slogans "Ab ki baar 400 paar" and "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi" echoed through Parliament Square as the passionate Indian women proudly waved BJP flags. The enthusiastic display of support by these women reflected their pride in India's progressive journey and their desire for it to continue under the leadership of PM Modi and his party. The Overseas Friends of BJP UK (OFBJPUK) issued a statement on Sunday, emphasising that PM Modi has elevated India's profile on the global stage, instilling a profound sense of pride in the Indian identity. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 May,2024 08:22 AM IST | Basingstoke | ANIThe US has reached an agreement with Niger to withdraw its military forces from the African nation by September 15, according to the US Defence Department and the Nigerien Ministry of National Defence, CNN reported. The newly agreed deadline gives the US four months to drawdown fewer than 1,000 troops who remain in the country, as well as their equipment, which includes MQ-9 Reaper drones and other assets. Niger's military government announced in March that it had ended an accord with the US that allowed military personnel and civilian staff from the Department of Defence to operate in the country. The US delegation met with Niger's ruling military junta last week to try to reach an agreement that would allow for the secure withdrawal of US forces and for clearances for military flights. The flight clearances had been a sticking point in the sensitive negotiations needed to withdraw US forces. Until now, US troops who have left Niger took commercial flights, including as recently as last week, according to US officials. The remaining troops on the ground are tasked with drawing down US personnel and equipment still in Niger. The US delegation was led by Chris Meier, the assistant secretary of defence for special operations and low-intensity conflict. The Nigerien delegation was led by Col.-Maj. Mamane Sani Kiaou, the chief of staff of the Nigerian army, CNN reported. "Both delegations confirmed the guarantees of protection and security to the American forces during their withdrawal. The delegations also established procedures to facilitate the entry and exit of US personnel, including overflight and landing clearances for military flights," the joint statement said. A deepening divide between the US and the ruling military junta following the coup last July ultimately led to the withdrawal, as the Biden administration called for a path back to free and fair elections. Rebuffing the calls, the military junta instead began partnering more with Russia, whose forces are now operating at the same base from which US forces are withdrawing, CNN reported. The US and Niger said they would continue to work together on areas of "common interest." "The United States and Niger are committed to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations," the statement said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 May,2024 08:05 AM IST | Niamey | ANIADVERTISEMENT
