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UK Kneecap band member in court facing terror charge
Kneecap Band Member Faces Terror Charge Over Flag Display as Supporters Rally Outside Court A member of the Belfast-based rap group Kneecap appeared in court on Wednesday to face a terror-related charge stemming from an incident during one of the band’s concerts in November 2024. Liam O’Hanna, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in a manner that allegedly indicated support for the proscribed organisation. As O’Hanna, 27, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, a group of supporters gathered outside, many wearing balaclavas and waving a combination of Palestinian and Kneecap flags. The scene grew tense when a pro-Israel protester approached the group draped in an Israeli flag, leading to a chorus of boos, angry shouts of “free Palestine,” and swearing from the crowd. Police quickly intervened to remove the counter-protester. The charge against O’Hanna specifically alleges that he displayed the Hezbollah flag in a public setting “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation,” which in this case refers to Hezbollah, banned in its entirety in the United Kingdom. The group has denounced the prosecution, calling it politically motivated and a form of harassment. In a statement posted Tuesday night on X, formerly Twitter, Kneecap referred to the case as a “witch hunt.” The post featured a video of a London billboard with the message: “more blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara,” appearing to draw parallels between historic discrimination and their current legal troubles. According to the Metropolitan Police, O’Hanna was charged following an investigation that began after a video from the concert surfaced online. The footage reportedly showed the controversial moment when the flag was allegedly displayed. Prior to this, the police had already confirmed that Kneecap was under investigation after clips from the same performance circulated online appearing to show members of the band shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and calling for the deaths of Members of Parliament. In response to the allegations, Kneecap has stated unequivocally that they “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah. Both groups are designated as terrorist organisations by the UK government, and public expressions of support for them can be prosecuted under counter-terrorism laws. The case has sparked debate around artistic expression, political dissent, and the limits of free speech in the UK. While supporters of the band view the charges as an overreach and a form of political suppression, authorities maintain that the investigation was initiated in accordance with the law after concerns were raised over potentially inflammatory and illegal conduct during a public event. O’Hanna has not yet entered a plea, and the case is expected to return to court in the coming weeks. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-06-19 -
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USA White House Blasts Jim Acosta Over Joke About Trump’s Late Ex-Wife
White House Blasts Jim Acosta Over Joke About Trump’s Late Ex-Wife Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta is facing intense backlash after making controversial remarks about President Donald Trump’s late ex-wife, Ivana Trump, during a podcast appearance. In a recent episode of “The Contrarian” podcast hosted by Jennifer Rubin, Acosta made light of Ivana’s burial site and accused Trump of hypocrisy on immigration, drawing swift condemnation from the White House. Acosta criticized Trump’s record on immigration enforcement, especially his past support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. He questioned why ICE has not targeted Trump’s properties, suggesting undocumented immigrants could be employed there. “Where are the ICE raids at the Trump properties? Could somebody call ICE on the Trump golf course in Virginia? You’re telling me there’s nobody in there that is undocumented or has some kind of squirreliness going on with their paperwork?” Acosta asked during the show. He went further, referencing Trump’s relationships with immigrant women, including Ivana, who died in 2022. “How many immigrants has he married? He’s got one buried at his golf course in New Jersey! Isn’t she buried by the first hole or the second tee or something like that?” he quipped, prompting laughter from Rubin and fellow guest April Ryan. Ivana Trump, mother to Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump, is buried at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The White House responded strongly. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Digital, “Jim Acosta is a disgraceful human being.” Acosta, known for his contentious relationship with the Trump administration while at CNN, left the network in January. Throughout Trump’s first term, Acosta became one of his most outspoken critics, often blending editorial commentary with news reporting. Since going independent, his tone has remained combative, particularly on issues like immigration and civil rights. His latest remarks come as immigration enforcement efforts have ignited political turmoil in Los Angeles. ICE raids across the sanctuary city have sparked widespread protests, leading to hundreds of arrests. The Los Angeles Police Department reports 575 individuals have been arrested since the first weekend of demonstrations. Violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement have resulted in significant property damage, including vehicles set ablaze and fireworks launched at police. As of Monday, ten law enforcement officers have sustained injuries, according to the LAPD. In such a charged atmosphere, Acosta’s comments have added fuel to the fire. While supporters argue he is using satire to expose double standards, critics see his remarks as deeply disrespectful, especially toward Ivana Trump, who passed away less than three years ago. As the political climate remains volatile and immigration continues to dominate headlines, the fallout from Acosta’s remarks underscores the deeply personal and partisan nature of the current national debate. Adapted by ASEAN Now from NYP 2025-06-15 -
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Middle East Russia Faces Strategic Setback Amid Rising Tensions Between Iran and Israel
Russia Faces Strategic Setback Amid Rising Tensions Between Iran and Israel As Israel's Operation Rising Lion intensifies, Moscow has expressed growing alarm over the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Russian officials have called the situation both "alarming" and "dangerous." Yet, despite their concern, Russia’s initial response to the outbreak of violence was tinged with optimism. State media in Russia were quick to highlight potential advantages the conflict might bring to Moscow. Among the most prominent was the expected rise in global oil prices, which could significantly boost Russia’s energy revenues at a time when its economy remains under pressure from international sanctions. Another supposed benefit was the redirection of global focus. One major newspaper, Moskovsky Komsomolets, ran a headline proclaiming, “Kyiv has been forgotten,” referencing how the attention of the international community might shift away from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. There was also the hope that Russia might position itself as a mediator in the Middle East, enhancing its geopolitical standing by offering to broker peace. Such a role could serve to reframe Moscow’s image from aggressor in Ukraine to potential peacemaker in a volatile region. This, however, remains largely hypothetical. As the fighting drags on, the Russian narrative is beginning to shift, revealing deeper concerns about the broader implications of Israel’s military campaign. “The escalation of the conflict carries serious risks and potential costs for Moscow,” wrote political analyst Andrei Kortunov in the business daily Kommersant. “The fact remains that Russia was unable to prevent a mass strike by Israel on a country with which five months ago [Russia] signed a comprehensive strategic partnership.” Kortunov's words underscore Moscow's impotence in the face of a rapidly changing strategic environment. Despite its strong rhetoric condemning Israel, Russia has shown no signs of being willing—or able—to provide Iran with direct military assistance. This reveals the limits of the so-called strategic pact that Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed earlier this year. The agreement was not a military alliance, and therefore did not compel Russia to come to Iran’s defense in a time of conflict. Nonetheless, Russia had touted the agreement as a milestone. In an interview with Ria Novosti, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized that the deal gave “special attention to the strengthening of co-ordination in the interests of peace and security on the regional and global levels, and the desire of Moscow and Tehran for closer co-operation on security and defence.” These promises now appear hollow in the face of real conflict. In fact, this is not the first time Moscow has seen a strategic ally in the region come under threat. Just six months ago, Russia lost its long-time partner in Syria when Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power. Assad later accepted asylum in Russia, but the loss was a significant blow to Moscow’s regional influence. Now, with Iran facing increased pressure from Israel and the specter of regime change looming, the Kremlin faces the possibility of another geopolitical defeat. As Moskovsky Komsomolets remarked on Tuesday, “In global politics right now, massive changes are taking place in real time which will affect life in our country, either directly or indirectly.” While Russia may still benefit economically in the short term, the broader consequences of this conflict threaten to erode its strategic foothold in the Middle East, exposing the fragility of Moscow’s alliances and the limits of its influence. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-06-19 -
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Middle East Iranian Opposition Gains Momentum Amid Crisis, but Unity Remains Elusive
Iranian Opposition Gains Momentum Amid Crisis, but Unity Remains Elusive A handwritten banner recently unfurled on a bridge in Tehran carried a stark message from the shadows: “Those who experienced the Iran-Iraq war demand no war again.” Behind this act of defiance were dissidents who, like so many before them, had taken grave risks in a country where criticism of the Islamic regime can lead to prison or worse. But as the political ground trembles beneath the feet of Iran’s leadership, even the most cautious critics now sense a turning point. One of the protest’s organizers explained their motivation plainly: “We believe Iran is very close to opening a new regional war, which will cost Iran and all Iranians … Enough is enough. If you don’t take risks, you can’t expect rewards.” The moment feared by these mostly young, student-led dissidents — reminiscent of the revolutionary fervor that helped Ayatollah Khomeini overthrow the Shah in 1979 — has now arrived. As Israel steps up its military campaign and the U.S. issues evacuation warnings, the question arises: how strong is Iran’s opposition, and can it truly threaten the Islamic Republic? Some believe the time for discreet protest is over. A recent manifesto circulating among dissident networks made a bold call to arms: “Take to the streets and the squares because the future of us all is at stake. Destroy and disable street cameras. Light a fire in the streets and fight the regime’s mercenaries. Break the windows and doors of government and security facilities and block them and take them under your control.” Yet so far, these appeals have not sparked a mass uprising. For now, the majority in Tehran are focused on survival. The Israeli defence minister has bluntly warned the capital “will burn,” prompting a wave of fear and flight. Opponents of the regime, who polls suggest represent a majority of Iranians, have also voiced outrage at Israel’s deadly campaign, which has devastated civilian neighborhoods. Toomaj Salehi, the dissident rapper jailed for supporting 2022’s women-led protests, lashed out in an Instagram post: “If your intention is to kill the people of Iran, at least have the honesty not to hide the burden of that responsibility.” He questioned how nine million people were supposed to evacuate the city. Israel insists its conflict is not with the Iranian people and has encouraged them to rise against the regime. Despite incendiary language from some Israeli officials, political spokespeople have emphasized that their war is with Iran’s clerical leadership, not its citizens. Still, domestic criticism of Iran’s own leadership has grown louder. A public letter signed by several dissidents, including two Nobel laureates, called for Iran to accept a ceasefire and halt uranium enrichment — key demands from both Israel and the U.S. Mostafa Tajzadeh, a former government minister turned imprisoned reformist, issued his own appeal from behind bars: “I believe that for a peaceful transition to democracy, there must be an insistence on a constituent assembly to change the constitution, and compel the government to establish it.” He condemned the Israeli airstrikes, saying they lacked “political and moral justification,” but made it clear that change must also come from within. Iran’s opposition remains fragmented, a loose coalition ranging from religious moderates to liberals, communists, and the controversial Mujahidin e-Khalq — a group responsible for a string of deadly attacks during the revolution. Abroad, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah, has lent his voice to the Israeli campaign. Though widely unpopular inside Iran, he retains a vocal following among expatriates. “He’s the prince of nowhere,” remarked Sanam Vakil of Chatham House. “The opposition can be described as a mix of activists and technocrats and moderates that would like to see the Islamic Republic move away from ideology and enmity, and transition to an empowered presidential and parliamentary system.” Some of that transition may already be under way. Iranians have become increasingly disengaged from regime politics, with voter turnout at historic lows and public cynicism deepening. But it remains to be seen whether this dissatisfaction can coalesce into coordinated resistance. “If there were no war,” Vakil added, “I think there would have to be a modest acceptance that, with these key people still there, the Islamic Republic’s transformation wasn’t going to be quick, perhaps generational. What Israel is doing is pouring an accelerant on the process, and we are losing control in terms of understanding the direction.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-06-19 -
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UK Qatari Man Convicted of Rape at London Hospital was camel-herder with no contact with women
Qatari Man Convicted of Rape at London Hospital After Claiming No Prior Contact With Women A Qatari national who raped a woman in a London hospital toilet had never interacted with women outside his family, a court has heard. Nasser al-Gherainiq, a 27-year-old camel herder from a conservative tribe in Qatar, was convicted of two counts of rape at Southwark Crown Court. The attack occurred at Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea on August 25, 2023, while al-Gherainiq was in the UK to receive treatment for a rare heart condition. Al-Gherainiq, who denied the charges of rape but admitted to sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, dragged his victim into a lavatory cubicle and assaulted her. The court heard that he told the woman he needed to use the toilet before forcing her into the stall. The victim, who has remained anonymous, gave a statement that described the psychological toll of the assault. “I was so scared. I felt frozen with fear. I couldn’t go anywhere. Although the incident lasted a few minutes, it felt like ages to me. I was very shocked to hear it was only five minutes,” she said. The trauma of the experience led her to withdraw from daily life. “A few days after the incident I had huge anxiety and fear. I could not leave the house. It has been a lonely and isolating year for me. I am not the outgoing woman I used to be. I am withdrawn and highly anxious and overly cautious, especially when I’m on my own in an unfamiliar environment. My life has never been the same. My family still do not know what happened to me. I am so close to my family.” In his defence, al-Gherainiq’s barrister, Jane Bickerstaff KC, argued that the accused came from a highly sheltered environment and had minimal exposure to modern life. “Until July 2023 he had never left Qatar. He would have had minimal experience engaging with women outside a family context. The only woman he would have had any meaningful contact with is his mother,” she said. Bickerstaff also added, “Limited visits to Doha and a preference for a desert environment curtailed his exposure to urban and modern societal norms. This defendant would have had no experience whatsoever of interacting with a woman. We submit that he was equivalent to an immature and inexperienced adolescent. He completely failed to understand her true feelings.” The court heard that following the completion of his sentence, al-Gherainiq will not remain in the UK. “He will immediately go back to Qatar,” Bickerstaff stated. “There is no reason for him to apply to remain here.” Judge and jury were told that al-Gherainiq’s background as a camel herder from an isolated and conservative tribal setting may have contributed to his inability to comprehend boundaries or proper social behaviour, particularly with women. Despite these claims, the jury found him guilty of rape. Al-Gherainiq has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at a later date. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-06-19 -
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USA Meghan Markle: “I Just Want People to Tell the Truth”
Meghan Markle: “I Just Want People to Tell the Truth” Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has once again offered a candid glimpse into her life after stepping back from royal duties, saying she would rewrite her public narrative by simply asking people to “tell the truth.” In a wide-ranging interview on the Aspire podcast with British fashion entrepreneur Emma Grede, Meghan took what many interpreted as a thinly veiled swipe at the Royal family, insisting that “a lie can’t last forever” and reflecting on the years in which she says she was denied the chance to speak for herself. “If I could rewrite anything,” she said when asked about how she might reshape her image, “yes, I would ask people to tell the truth.” Recalling advice she received from her friend, tennis legend Serena Williams, Meghan added: “My dear friend Serena, she told me years ago: ‘A lie can’t live forever.’ Eight years is a long time, but not forever.” Meghan, now 43, also addressed how she navigated life as a working royal, saying, “I didn’t feel as though I had as much of an opportunity to speak,” and adding that she turned to fashion as a subtle form of communication. “When I didn’t feel as though I had as much of an opportunity to speak, what can you say with what you’re wearing? You can say a lot,” she explained. “In moments where I found I wasn’t as empowered with my voice, I still wanted to be able to be heard in other ways.” Her remarks echo those made during her bombshell 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which she claimed “the Firm” had played a role in “perpetuating falsehoods” about her and Prince Harry. During that conversation, Meghan also alleged that Catherine, Princess of Wales, had made her cry in the days before her wedding and that it was crucial people “understand the truth.” In the podcast interview, Grede responded emotionally to Meghan’s frustrations. “You’re very measured about it. I would just get so angry if I felt like everyone was lying about me all the time…” Meghan replied, “Peaks and valleys… It’s true, of course, I’ve gone through those chapters and do a lot of work, you do a lot of self-work and go, what’s the why? It’s happening for a reason.” The Duchess also spoke about her current endeavors, particularly her new lifestyle brand, As Ever. Initially launched with jars of jam, Meghan said the brand is “going global” and expanding into hospitality, hostessing, and possibly fashion and beauty in the future. “I’m not saying there aren’t moments when I don’t feel scared, but my faith is greater than my fear. I believe in myself, I believe in my team and the potential for success,” she said. “I don’t see the possibility of failure, not when you can learn from everything you’ve done.” She described her proudest achievement as investing in herself. “It takes courage to bet on yourself,” she said. The Duchess reflected on a joyful moment shortly before the birth of her daughter, Princess Lilibet, when she and Harry were filmed twerking in a hospital delivery suite. She described the video as a reminder of her “authentic, fun life” and expressed gratitude for being able to share such moments “on her own terms.” She also addressed the purpose of her personal Instagram account, which she has used increasingly to share family photos and glimpses of her private life. “For me it was a great way to get my voice back. It’s my space and my channel for joy… that’s the intention of my handle,” she said, distancing the platform from her business ventures. Even when she didn’t have “skin in the game,” Meghan said she tried to support emerging talent, particularly female-founded and local designers during royal tours. “Being able to support female-founded designers, small local brands ... any territories we would go to on certain tours, I always tried to tap into local designers.” Through all the criticism and controversy, Meghan continues to assert one simple wish: for people to tell the truth. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-06-19
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