September 20, 2024, 5:14 am
Bombshell Claims Link Philippines’ Duterte Clan to Massive Meth Smuggling Scheme
In a shocking turn of events, convicted trafficker Jimmy Guban has implicated former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s family in a massive meth smuggling operation. During a congressional hearing, Guban accused Congressman Paolo Duterte, Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s husband Manases Carpio, and businessman Michael Yang of being involved in smuggling 1.68 tonnes of crystal meth into the country in 2018. This revelation has cast serious doubts on the credibility of Duterte’s infamous “war on drugs.” Guban, a former customs intelligence officer, alleged that he was pressured to falsely accuse another individual and that a conspiracy exists to protect the Duterte family and their allies. Guban has requested entry into a witness protection program due to receiving death threats, further highlighting the gravity of these allegations.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested at French Airport
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was detained by French police at Le Bourget Airport near Paris under a warrant related to allegations of insufficient moderation of criminal activities on the messaging platform. Durov, who was born in Russia and now holds dual citizenship in the UAE and France, founded Telegram in 2013. His arrest has sparked widespread reactions, particularly from Russian officials and social media figures, who are demanding his release. Durov’s company has faced previous legal challenges, particularly in Russia, where Telegram was banned in 2018 after he refused to hand over user data to the government. The ban was lifted in 2021, but Telegram continues to be a contentious platform in various regions.
U.S. Moves Naval Forces Closer to Israel Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Amid growing fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, the United States has moved significant naval forces closer to Israel. This includes the deployment of two aircraft carrier groups, the Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, and an attack submarine, the Georgia. The move is seen as a clear signal to Iran and its allies, following threats of retaliation after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. While the U.S. has stated that these deployments are intended to prevent a broader war and protect Israel, officials have also noted that the Israeli Defense Forces would be primarily responsible for defending against any attacks from Hezbollah across the Lebanese border. The Pentagon’s unusual decision to disclose the movement of the submarine indicates the seriousness of the situation.
Ugandan Opposition Members Face ‘Terrorism’ Charges
Thirty-six members of Uganda’s opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), have been charged with terrorism-related offenses after being deported from Kenya, where they were attending a training seminar. Human rights groups have condemned the charges as politically motivated, accusing the Ugandan government of using the judiciary to suppress opposition. The group’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, criticized the charges as an abuse of the judicial process, designed to prevent the accused from obtaining bail and keep them imprisoned for extended periods. The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) also condemned the arrest, noting that Kenya does not have an extradition treaty with Uganda, and the deportation was carried out without due legal process.
Those Who Commit Crimes Against Women Won’t Be Spared: PM Amid Kolkata Horror
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed stringent action against those committing crimes against women, amid growing national outrage over recent incidents, including the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata and other high-profile cases. Speaking at an event in Maharashtra, Modi emphasized that crimes against women are an “unforgivable sin” and assured the public that his government is strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms to ensure justice. Modi highlighted the introduction of new systems to make legal processes more accessible to victims and claimed that his administration has done more for women’s safety than previous governments.
China Turns to South America Since Banning Japan Seafood One Year Ago
Following the ban on Japanese seafood imports due to concerns over the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, China has significantly increased its seafood imports from South America and other regions. While overall seafood imports to China have decreased by about 10% in dollar terms since the ban, imports from countries like Argentina, Indonesia, and the UK have surged. Japanese seafood companies, particularly in Hokkaido, are now seeking alternative markets, with exports to the U.S. and Southeast Asia seeing substantial increases. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, there are no signs that China will lift the ban on Japanese seafood imports.
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