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EU Germany Cracks Down on Smugglers as UK Ties Strengthen
File photo for reference only | Courtesy of Wikipedia Germany plans to tighten laws targeting gangs smuggling migrants to the UK, with changes expected by year-end, announced during Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Britain. This move makes facilitating illegal migration to the UK a criminal offense in Germany, acting as a deterrent to smugglers exploiting this legal loophole. The announcement is part of a broader UK-Germany agreement focused on migration, business, and defence. Once implemented, the new law will allow German authorities to crack down on smugglers using warehouses for boat storage intended for Channel crossings. This decision follows a BBC probe revealing Germany's role in the illegal transportation chain. The UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the initiative, given the rising numbers of Channel crossings. Over 21,000 migrants have made the dangerous journey this year, representing a 56% increase compared to 2024. The new measures are seen as vital in addressing this growing crisis. Meanwhile, the UK's new pilot return scheme with France, part of a "one in, one out" approach, aims to manage small boat arrivals by exchanging asylum seekers with connections to the UK. Opposition leader Chris Philp criticised the government for struggling to manage border control and accused Starmer of offering superficial solutions. Defence-related agreements will also feature prominently during the visit, with plans to boost UK exports of military equipment such as Boxer vehicles and Typhoon jets. This cooperation promises to bring significant economic benefits and job creation in both countries. The visit will see the launch of a UK-Germany Business Forum, promoting investment and leading to commercial deals worth over 8,790,000 THB (£200m), expected to create over 600 jobs. Notably, German defence tech firm STARK plans to open its first facility outside Germany in Swindon, generating 100 jobs. The strengthened bilateral ties signal a significant step forward in addressing mutual concerns while fostering economic growth. The future cooperation between the UK and Germany aims to tackle illegal migration effectively and enhance their defence and business partnerships. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-18 -
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Report Cave Mystery: Russian Mum & Kids Found Living in Indian Wilderness
Picture courtesy of Karnataka police Police in Karnataka are unravelling the unusual tale of Nina Kutina, a 40-year-old Russian woman found residing in a cave with her two young daughters. On 9 July, a routine patrol in Ramteertha hills, Gokarna, discovered the trio. Kutina, lacking valid documents, faces deportation along with her daughters, aged six and five, who are now housed in a Bengaluru detention centre. Kutina insists in videos with Indian news agency ANI that their cave lifestyle promotes well-being. However, the circumstances surrounding their presence in a remote, wildlife-rich area remain unclear. Police stumbled upon their dwelling, marked by bright saris and scant belongings, and convinced Kutina to leave the cave due to safety concerns from wildlife. Authorities confirmed the family's health post-rescue, while Kutina, claiming not to have lived in Russia for 15 years, mentioned previous residence in various countries. She also spoke about personal tragedies, including her eldest son's death in Goa and a missing report filed by Dror Goldstein, the Israeli father of her daughters, who seeks joint custody. The timeline of Kutina’s arrival in Karnataka and her cave-dwelling period is murky. She revealed ongoing struggles since losing her passport, referencing her travels and a long-expired Indian visa. The family’s stay in the forest reportedly began after another cave dwelling in Goa. Kutina denied having spiritual motives, despite the discovery of religious relics in the cave, which emphasised her preference for nature. She assured her daughters’ happiness and safety in the rustic environment, dismissing perceived dangers as comparable to urban snake encounters. The case remains intriguing as deportation plans proceed. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-18 -
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Middle East Gaza Grief: Children Pay Hefty Price in Ongoing Conflict
video screenshot In the wake of recent Israeli strikes on Gaza, troubling scenes have emerged that highlight the high civilian toll, especially among children. A recent attack outside a health clinic tragically claimed at least 15 lives, including many children, as they lined up for medical care. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the strike targeted a Hamas member linked to attacks on Israel but expressed regret for civilian casualties. This incident feeds into broader concerns from humanitarian and rights groups about the proportionality and transparency in Israel’s military actions in Gaza. According to UNICEF, nine children and several women were killed in the assault outside the Project HOPE clinic. These fatalities underscore the challenge of adhering to international humanitarian law, which mandates avoiding civilian casualties whenever possible. Reports suggest the Israeli military may tolerate civilian deaths to target militants, sparking debates about the proportionality of such operations. Criticism has mounted over the limited information released by the Israeli military on strikes resulting in considerable civilian deaths. The ongoing conflict began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and escalated tensions. Since then, over 57,000 people have died in Gaza, including thousands of children, with widespread destruction reported. Israeli officials argue that Hamas uses civilian areas for military purposes, but Gaza health officials deny this claim. The IDF recently acknowledged a "technical error" in another strike that inadvertently killed children at a water distribution point. International pressure on Israel has increased, with accusations of war crimes and demands for accountability. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has criticised the military campaign, suggesting it borders on war crimes. As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, urging both sides to minimise civilian harm and negotiate lasting peace. Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBC 2025-07-18 -
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USA Epstein Prosecutor Fired: Maurene Comey Out in Sudden Move
video screenshot Maurene Comey, a high-profile federal prosecutor in Manhattan, has been abruptly fired from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, is known for her work in the notorious Jeffrey Epstein case and against rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. Sources suggest her dismissal may be linked to tensions surrounding her father’s ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration. James Comey, who is a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, is currently embroiled in multiple investigations. This includes a probe into alleged false statements made to Congress. Last May, Comey faced questioning from the Secret Service after sharing a cryptic social media post that some interpreted as a veiled threat, an interpretation he denies. This unexpected shakeup coincides with mounting pressure on Trump to disclose more details concerning Epstein, the disgraced financier whose criminal case has captivated public interest. The Justice Department recently issued a memo denying the existence of an Epstein “client list,” and the Trump administration has declared no further documents will be released in this investigation. Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was found dead in his cell in 2019 while awaiting federal trial. The death of Jeffrey Epstein, ruled a suicide, sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories. Maurene Comey played a pivotal role as a lead prosecutor in both Epstein’s case and the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner, who is now serving a 20-year sentence, pending appeal. Trump recently dismissed the Epstein controversy as “rubbish” on social media, labelling concerned supporters as “weaklings.” He also challenged the integrity of the federal Epstein investigation, claiming it was fabricated by the previous administrations under Comey, Obama, and Biden. This firing follows a previous leadership upheaval in the US Attorney’s Office, when Danielle Sassoon resigned earlier this year amid pressures related to a case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Neither the Southern District of New York nor the White House has provided comments on Comey’s dismissal, and enquiries to the Department of Justice remain unanswered. The incident underscores ongoing tensions within the justice system and the political landscape, with the Epstein saga showing no signs of fading from public interest. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-18 -
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Ukraine Ukrainian Commanders Urge NATO to Learn Drone Warfare
File photo for reference only Ukraine’s military leaders have stressed the important part that drones play in the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating it would be "nearly impossible" to fight without them. At a panel during the Association of the US Army meeting in Germany, Maj. Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, in charge of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, urged NATO and US allies to adopt drone technology based on Kyiv’s experiences. Brovdi, along with Brig. Gen. Volodymyr Horbatiuk, highlighted how drones are crucial for battlefield logistics and intercepting threats. This comes as Russian forces launched further drone attacks on Ukraine, hitting several cities including President Zelensky's hometown. The panel's insight coincided with a recent shift by former President Donald Trump, who pledged increased air defences for Ukraine, reflecting frustration with ongoing peace efforts with Russia. Brovdi’s cautionary advice to Western allies was to remain sceptical about agreements with Russia. Brovdi, who founded the drone unit “Magyar’s Birds” in 2022, shared experiences of using drones for reconnaissance and attacks. Originally comprised of civilians, his unit has significantly disrupted enemy operations. The commanders urged continued international support and a decisive stance in battling Russian aggression. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-18 -
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Crime Greek Police Arrest Five in UC Berkeley Professor's Murder
Przemyslaw Jeziorski. Picture via Linkedin Greek police have detained five individuals in connection with the murder of UC Berkeley professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski, including his ex-wife and her current partner. The arrests were made following questioning, and the suspects are expected to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday. Jeziorski, a 43-year-old professor of marketing, was shot dead on 4 July while visiting Athens for a family custody hearing. The attack occurred in Agia Paraskevi, near his ex-wife's residence, just one day after he attended court. Police report that a masked gunman approached and fired at Jeziorski at close range, hitting him in the neck and chest. Seven 9mm bullet casings were found at the scene. Eyewitnesses described seeing a man in black fleeing the site shortly after shots were fired. The suspects include two Greeks—the 43-year-old ex-wife and her 35-year-old partner—alongside two Albanians and one Bulgarian. Greek national broadcaster ERT confirmed that all five will give testimony shortly. A senior police source has suggested the murder may have been a contract killing, though all possibilities are being investigated. Jeziorski had no known criminal record in Greece. His family has launched a fundraiser to cover the costs of repatriating his remains to Poland and securing legal representation. UC Berkeley shared its deep sorrow, highlighting Jeziorski's passion for teaching and his impact on over 1,500 students. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-18
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