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Thailand to Raise Social Security Wage Ceiling for Better Benefits
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Russian Espionage Plot Involving Pigs’ Blood and Deep Fakes Unveiled in UK Court
Russian spies devised a bizarre and elaborate plan to drop pigs’ blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London using drones as part of a staged protest, the Old Bailey has heard. Prosecutors revealed the operation aimed to deceive Kazakh officials and bolster Russia's influence by offering assistance in resolving a fabricated incident. The scheme allegedly involved orchestrating protests to smear the Kazakh president Kassym Tokayev. This included plans to implicate him in fake scandals such as deep fake pornography or a "honeytrap" scenario involving his son. Alison Morgan KC, representing the prosecution, stated, “The plan was for demonstrations... to make it look like the Russians were prepared to help Kazakhstan and promote their long-term relationship. The protest is entirely staged, it is all fake.” The mastermind behind the operation is said to be Orlin Roussev, 46, who allegedly directed the activities from a guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Roussev reportedly communicated with Jan Marsalek, an Austrian fugitive linked to a £1.6 billion fraud. Marsalek proposed the plan in 2022, messaging Roussev with instructions that involved acquiring 100 liters of pig blood. The idea, Marsalek allegedly wrote, was to “film it saying it’s the blood of innocent Kazakh people which the president has on his hands.” The group, which Roussev referred to as the “Vampire team,” included several UK-based Bulgarians: Katrin Ivanova, 33, a lab assistant; Vanya Gaberova, 30, a beautician; and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, a decorator. Roussev and another member, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collect information beneficial to an enemy state. However, Ivanova, Gaberova, and Ivanchev deny the charges. Despite the elaborate planning, the alleged plot ultimately fell apart, with no evidence that the fake protest was ever executed. Ms. Morgan added, “All the chat did not lead to the fake protest.” The case offers a glimpse into the lengths to which alleged Russian operatives were willing to go to manipulate diplomatic relationships and achieve political influence. The trial continues, with further revelations expected to shed more light on the intricacies of this covert operation. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-12-05 -
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UN to Lead Investigation into Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against ICC Prosecutor
The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) has been selected to lead an external investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision, revealed during the ICC’s annual meeting in The Hague, Netherlands, has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to the prosecutor’s wife’s prior work with the oversight body. Khan, who is known for overseeing investigations into war crimes and atrocities in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela, is facing allegations of coercing a female aide into a sexual relationship and groping her over several months. These claims emerged as the ICC prepared to issue a warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to whistleblower documents obtained by the Associated Press, Khan allegedly transferred the woman to his office from another department at the ICC and traveled frequently with her. During one foreign trip, Khan reportedly asked the aide to rest with him on a hotel bed and allegedly engaged in nonconsensual physical contact. The documents also describe an instance where Khan knocked on her hotel room door at 3 a.m. for 10 minutes. Other allegations include locking the door of his office while attempting to touch her and asking her multiple times to join him on a vacation. The accusations came to light in May when two court employees who were confided in by the alleged victim stepped forward. This timing coincided with Khan’s request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Israel’s defense minister, and three Hamas leaders for war crimes. Advocacy organizations such as the International Federation for Human Rights and Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice have called for Khan’s suspension during the investigation. In a joint statement, they urged a transparent review of the OIOS to ensure its independence and expertise. The groups also highlighted what they termed Khan’s "close relationship" with the U.N. agency, emphasizing the need for further scrutiny. The ICC, which employs over 900 staff members, has long adhered to a “zero-tolerance” policy on sexual harassment. However, a 2020 review revealed a troubling workplace culture characterized by predatory behavior among male supervisors, limited female representation in senior roles, and inadequate whistleblower protections. The report found that 30% of staff surveyed had experienced discrimination, abuse, or harassment in the preceding year, and many were fearful of reporting misconduct by high-ranking officials. As the investigation unfolds, the ICC faces mounting pressure to address systemic issues and ensure accountability within its ranks, while Khan continues to deny the allegations. Based on a report by WP & AP 2024-12-05 Related Topics: The ICC's Credibility Crisis: Why It May Be Beyond Redemption ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant Over Alleged War Crimes Australia Urged to Rethink ICC Membership Amid Controversial Arrest Warrants Boris Johnson Accuses Starmer of Aligning with Hamas Over ICC Netanyahu Arrest Warrant Trump's Storm Looms Over the ICC -
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France Faces Unprecedented Crisis as Le Pen Targets Macron
France’s political landscape is quickley unraveling as far-right leader Marine Le Pen edges closer to achieving her long-held ambitions. With the government on the brink of collapse, President Emmanuel Macron finds himself in her crosshairs, as political turmoil engulfs the European Union’s second-largest country. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, has been accused by critics of sowing chaos to dismantle Macron’s leadership. Recent events seem to bolster these claims. Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who took office just three months ago, appears poised to lose a no-confidence vote, marking the shortest tenure for a French prime minister in the modern republic’s history. Since Barnier’s appointment in September, Le Pen has gained significant influence. Her party has earned institutional respect and a say in policymaking, long-standing goals for the far-right leader. However, these victories have not satisfied her; Le Pen is clearly aiming higher. As the prime minister’s government falters, she has set her sights on forcing Macron into an unprecedented resignation. At the center of the crisis is the government’s proposed budget, a contentious plan to inject €60 billion into the state’s finances through tax increases and spending cuts. Le Pen’s refusal to support the budget has played a pivotal role in destabilizing the administration. Despite numerous concessions by Barnier to address her concerns, she consistently shifted her demands, frustrating negotiations. “Le Pen’s conditions were constantly changing,” said a conservative member of Barnier’s government, who wished to remain anonymous. “Sunday, she gave a 17th different version of what her conditions were. The prime minister responded Monday, and once again, that wasn’t enough.” In an interview with *La Tribune*, Le Pen hinted that her support might hinge on adjustments to drug prices or pensions. However, her demands evolved again, suggesting her reluctance to reach a genuine agreement. This pattern of behavior has led many to suspect that her true goal is not merely to influence policy but to provoke a broader political crisis. The collapse of Barnier’s government would undoubtedly plunge France into deeper instability. Such an outcome would leave the country vulnerable to financial turmoil and political uncertainty. Analysts argue this chaos serves Le Pen’s interests, as it might create an opportunity for her to further challenge Macron’s authority. “When you see that such consequential efforts were made but were deemed insufficient, you have to wonder if all that wasn’t just a pretense,” said a cabinet member. Le Pen’s ultimate ambition appears to be the presidency itself. Having unsuccessfully run for the office three times, she is likely to make another bid in 2027. For now, her strategy seems to involve leveraging the current crisis to weaken Macron’s position. “Our constitution is clear,” Le Pen remarked on Monday. “In the event of a serious political crisis, the president of the republic has three options: reshuffle, dissolve, or resign.” With reshuffling and dissolution already explored, her statements strongly hint at resignation as her desired outcome. Macron, however, remains defiant. “I was elected twice by the French people,” he declared on Tuesday evening. “I am extremely proud of this, and I will honor their trust with all my energy until the very last second of my term to serve the country.” If Macron were to step down, it would mark a seismic shift in French politics. No president in the Fifth Republic has resigned, except for Charles de Gaulle following the 1968 riots. The consequences of such a move would reverberate across the nation. A recent poll by *CNews* revealed that 62 percent of respondents believe Macron should resign if Barnier’s government falls. Among National Rally supporters, this figure jumps to 87 percent. While Macron’s resignation might appease some factions, it would not resolve the deeper parliamentary gridlock. The National Assembly remains divided into three main blocs—left-wing, center-right, and far-right—none of which show willingness to cooperate. However, Le Pen and her supporters see a presidential resignation as a chance for a political reset, one that could offer her the greatest opportunity of her career. Based on a report by Politico 2024-12-05 -
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Diddy Faces New Allegations of Abuse Involving Balcony Incident
Sean "Diddy" Combs has been accused in a new lawsuit of dangling a woman over a high-rise balcony in 2016. Filed in Los Angeles by fashion designer Bryana "Bana" Bongolan, the suit alleges the incident occurred while she was at the home of Combs' then-girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura. This lawsuit adds to more than two dozen claims against the music mogul, accusing him of various offenses, including sexual assault, drugging individuals, intimidating witnesses, and physical violence. Combs is also facing federal charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking, which he has categorically denied, including the allegations in this latest case. According to Ms. Bongolan, the 2016 incident began when she spent the night at Ms. Ventura’s apartment. The lawsuit states that Combs arrived at the home, shouting and banging on the door before forcing his way inside. Ms. Bongolan, who was on the balcony at the time, alleges that Combs confronted her aggressively, grabbing and molesting her before lifting her off the ground. The lawsuit claims he then dangled her over the edge of the balcony. At the time, Ms. Bongolan reportedly weighed approximately 100 pounds (45.3 kilograms), making her efforts to resist him futile. The suit states, "She attempted to resist him, throwing her weight back in a desperate struggle to avoid being thrown to the ground and likely to her death," but alleges that Combs "easily overpowered her." The situation reportedly escalated until Ms. Ventura intervened, pulling Ms. Bongolan back over the ledge. However, the lawsuit alleges that Combs slammed Ms. Bongolan onto patio furniture during the process. These allegations are reminiscent of an incident detailed in a 2023 lawsuit filed by Ms. Ventura against Combs. Her lawsuit, which was settled a day after it was filed, accused Combs of abuse, rape, and sex trafficking. It included claims of a similar event where Combs allegedly "picked up one of Ms. Ventura’s friends like a child and dangled the friend over the balcony." Ms. Bongolan also asserts that her professional relationship with Combs was marked by ongoing "terror and abuse." According to the lawsuit, their relationship began when Combs approached her to collaborate on creative projects, including a clothing line and album cover designs. Combs has yet to respond directly to this latest lawsuit, maintaining his stance of denial regarding all allegations against him. These recent accusations further intensify the scrutiny surrounding the music mogul as his legal challenges continue to grow. Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-05 -
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Harry and Meghan Make Large Donation to Joe Biden daughter's Wellness Space
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made a significant charitable contribution, donating $250,000 through their Archewell Foundation to Ashley Biden’s Women’s Wellness (Spa)ce. This initiative, led by the daughter of U.S. President Joe Biden, focuses on providing support to women impacted by trauma. The donation, recorded in Archewell’s 2023 tax filings, marks the largest single grant the foundation has made to a charitable cause that year. This substantial contribution aligns with Prince Harry and Meghan’s commitment to aiding women in need, a cause said to deeply resonate with the couple. The grant reflects their broader philanthropic efforts, as Archewell distributed a total of $1.3 million to various charitable initiatives in 2023. The tax filings also revealed that Archewell received $5.3 million in grants during the year, with the majority coming from a single $5 million donation, believed to have originated from Fidelity Charitable. Fidelity Charitable had previously supported the foundation with a $1 million contribution in 2022. The financial disclosures highlighted the foundation’s operational expenses, including $997,285 allocated to salaries and just over $1 million spent on legal fees, event costs, and travel. Despite these expenses, the foundation’s donations reflect a consistent focus on mental health and wellness. Notable contributions included $130,000 to Humanity Crew, a mental health organization addressing trauma among displaced children and families, and $50,000 to support mental health services for aid workers in Israel and Gaza. An additional $80,000 was directed toward mental health aid for workers in Turkey and Syria. This high-profile grant to Ashley Biden’s initiative comes amid speculation regarding the Sussexes’ ties to the Biden administration. The administration previously supported Prince Harry by declining to release his immigration records during a civil case in New York. Additionally, the couple has appeared to share political sympathies with President Biden. In 2020, ahead of the U.S. presidential election, they released a video urging voters to “reject hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity,” a move interpreted by many as tacit support for Biden’s candidacy over Donald Trump. Meghan referred to the election as the “most important of our lifetime,” further fueling speculation about her political aspirations. In recent years, the couple has adopted a more subdued approach to political discourse, particularly in light of the upcoming 2024 U.S. election. Their earlier statements led to public remarks from Trump, who described himself as “no fan” of Meghan. By focusing their efforts on philanthropic endeavors like the Women’s Wellness (Spa)ce, Harry and Meghan continue to champion causes they are passionate about while navigating their complex public and political profiles. The Women’s Wellness (Spa)ce stands to benefit significantly from this generous donation, which underscores the Sussexes’ dedication to supporting mental health initiatives and empowering women. Through their Archewell Foundation, Harry and Meghan are leveraging their platform to make meaningful contributions to global well-being. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-05 -
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Jeremy Corbyn Calls on UK to Act on Slavery Reparations in Jamaica Speech
Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader and current independent MP for Islington North, is set to deliver a powerful address in Jamaica, urging the UK to confront its colonial legacy and take decisive action on reparations for slavery. Speaking from Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, Corbyn will criticize the UK government for "dragging its feet" on the issue, arguing that reparations are not merely about addressing the past but are vital for building a more equitable future. In his speech, scheduled for Tuesday evening at the University of the West Indies to honor former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, Corbyn will state: "It is deeply ironic that one of the reasons why reparations are a so-called historic issue is precisely because the West has dithered and delayed for so long. The longer Britain continues to drag its feet, the more the case for reparations grows." He will argue that decades of colonialism have entrenched global inequalities, concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few. Reparations, he says, should be about "investing resources that could now be used in healthcare, housing, and education." Corbyn’s comments come as the UK faces renewed scrutiny of its colonial past, including ongoing debates about the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has acknowledged the transatlantic slave trade as "abhorrent," he has framed the UK’s role as being more about addressing contemporary global challenges, such as climate change. Corbyn, however, rejects this view, emphasizing that the inequalities wrought by colonialism continue to exacerbate vulnerabilities in nations that have contributed least to climate change but face its most devastating effects. "When governments in the West say that reparations are a thing of the past, they wilfully ignore the lasting inequalities that are putting vulnerable communities at risk of climate disaster," Corbyn is expected to assert. He will also call attention to the deep historical ties between Britain’s wealth and its exploitation of enslaved and colonized peoples, declaring: "Britain's foundations were built off the backs of others—of generations of enslaved and colonial subjects." The speech highlights the growing momentum for reparations as an international issue. While Corbyn has faced political setbacks, including being barred from running as a Labour candidate in the July general election, his advocacy on reparations aligns with a broader movement calling for Western nations to acknowledge and address their historical injustices. By drawing connections between colonialism, global inequality, and contemporary crises like climate change, Corbyn aims to frame reparations as a necessary step toward a fairer and more sustainable global order. Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-05 -
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Oxford Debate on Israel Sparks Outrage with Hate Speech Breaching Legal Boundaries
A packed debate at the Oxford Union has ignited a storm of controversy, with accusations of antisemitism, incitement, and the fostering of a hostile environment. Several prominent academics, including Baroness Deech, Professor Sir Vernon Bogdanor, and philosopher Professor Peter Hacker, joined 300 others in an open letter to Lord Hague, Oxford University’s chancellor, condemning the event. They argue that the debate breached legal boundaries and failed to protect Jewish students. The motion under discussion, “This house believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide,” was charged with inflammatory rhetoric. One speaker reportedly referred to the October 7 attacks as “heroism,” a remark labeled as both morally reprehensible and unlawful by critics. The event drew widespread criticism for its atmosphere, described by Jonathan Sacerdoti, the son of a Holocaust survivor and one of the opposing speakers, as “hideous, sinister, and suffused with tension.” Sacerdoti, in an article for *The Spectator*, accused the Union of “disgracing itself” by permitting what he termed “bigotry, hatred, and mob rule” to dominate the event. “This was not an audience interested in debate or even in hearing arguments. It was a baying mob,” he wrote, citing constant interruptions, jeers, and abuse targeting pro-Israel speakers. He further alleged that Union President Ebrahim Osman Mowafy, an Egyptian Arab, displayed overt bias and failed to maintain decorum, fostering an environment where hostility flourished unchecked. Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a Hamas co-founder who defected to Israel’s side, faced jeers and derogatory remarks, including cries of “traitor” and “prostitute,” as he shared his story. Similarly, Yoseph Haddad, an Israeli Arab and advocate against the “apartheid” narrative, endured similar treatment. Oxford Union President Ebrahim Osman Mowafy Sacerdoti also recounted an incident where Haddad was ejected after dismissing audience members as “terrorist supporters” and donning a provocative T-shirt featuring a crossed-out image of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In another instance, international law commentator Natasha Hausdorf was reportedly pressured to conclude her remarks more quickly than her counterpart supporting the motion. Mr Sacerdoti said that during his own speech, a woman shouted: 'Liar! F*** you, the genocidal motherf***er!' One audience member later posted on X that he was 'amazed' at 'how hostile and toxic the atmosphere was'. During the debate, pro-Palestinian activist Miko Peled described the October 7 attacks as “heroism,” a statement widely condemned by the signatories of the open letter. Sacerdoti noted that when Yousef asked the audience if they would report prior knowledge of the attacks, the vast majority remained silent, underscoring what he perceived as an alarming normalization of such violence. Outside the chamber, protests added to the tense atmosphere. One student remarked, “I have never felt so targeted at Oxford. The rhetoric glorifying violence and provocative behavior made the chamber totally toxic.” The Oxford Israel Society, representing Israeli students, issued a statement condemning the event as “pure unfiltered hatred,” adding, “We left the debate feeling physically ill and unsafe, ultimately deciding to leave together rather than alone.” Sacerdoti concluded by emphasizing the need for accountability, stating, “Institutions like the Oxford Union must not become playgrounds for sinister cliques pushing divisive and prejudicial agendas.” This incident has reignited debates about free speech, academic responsibility, and the line between political discourse and hate speech in academic institutions. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-05 -
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Elon Musk’s X Ordered to Pay George Galloway’s Legal Costs in Defamation Case
Elon Musk's social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), has been ordered to cover legal costs in a defamation case brought against it by George Galloway, the former MP. The case, heard in Dublin where X's European headquarters are based, stems from the platform labeling Galloway’s account as “Russian state-affiliated media” in 2022. The contentious label was applied to Galloway’s profile before Musk acquired the platform later that year. Although X scrapped the labeling system in April 2023, Galloway argues that the designation was defamatory and damaging to his reputation. He has consistently denied any affiliation with the Russian state. The legal battle reached a critical juncture on October 21, when the Dublin High Court gave X six weeks to respond to the case. X complied but was also ordered to pay Galloway's legal costs associated with the motion. The court imposed "a stay on execution pending the determination of the proceedings" and directed both parties to submit sworn affidavits supporting their claims by January 30, 2025. Kevin Winters, a partner at KRW Law Advocates Ltd, which is representing Galloway, highlighted the significance of the affidavit deadline as a pivotal moment in the case. "This requires both sides to formally substantiate their respective claims," Winters stated. The firm sees the case as emblematic of broader issues facing social media platforms, particularly regarding accountability for past actions amid policy shifts and leadership changes. Winters emphasized that the High Court’s decision to order X to pay legal fees underscores the challenges platforms like X face in addressing grievances tied to previous management practices. He added that this case reflects the complexities of navigating reputational disputes in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital platforms. As the proceedings continue, the case highlights the legal and reputational risks for social media companies in managing content and user labeling, especially when such actions are perceived as unjust or damaging. This dispute not only affects the individuals involved but also sets a precedent for future challenges to platform policies, especially in the context of leadership changes and evolving operational frameworks. Based on a report by National Scot 2024-12-05
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