Author: Admin

Two campaign staff members working for Colombian right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella were fatally shot just two weeks ahead of the nation’s presidential election, according to his political party Defenders of the Homeland on Saturday.

The victims, Rogers Mauricio Devia and Fabian Cardona, were gunned down Friday evening in a countryside location in Cubarral, Meta province. According to the party, four masked individuals riding motorcycles stopped the men and began shooting.

Devia, who previously served as mayor of Cubarral, was responsible for managing De La Espriella’s regional campaign efforts, while Cardona handled logistical support. The pair had been traveling back from Villavicencio on a motorcycle carrying campaign supplies when the attack occurred.

“They were cowardly murdered in cold blood,” De La Espriella stated in a recorded message. While officials have not attributed the killings to any specific armed organization, De La Espriella pointed fingers at a breakaway group from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, though he offered no supporting evidence.

In polling data, De La Espriella holds the second position behind leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda before the May 31 initial voting round. His campaign platform emphasizes aggressive tactics against guerrilla fighters, criminal organizations and narcotics operations, including bombing rebel locations and restarting airplane spraying of coca plantations.

De La Espriella has previously claimed there was a sniper plot targeting his life that involved members of government intelligence services.

Colombian voters will choose the replacement for President Gustavo Petro. Should no candidate secure over 50% of the vote, a second round of voting is scheduled for June 21.

VIENNA, May 16 (Reuters) – Bulgaria secured its first-ever Eurovision Song Contest victory Saturday during a competition that saw five nations boycott the event due to the Gaza conflict.

The winning entry “Bangaranga,” performed by artist Dara, topped the scoreboard when public voting and national jury points were combined, placing Bulgaria ahead of Israel which finished in second place.

Venezuelan authorities announced Saturday they have sent a key associate of Nicolás Maduro to the United States to face criminal charges, marking a dramatic shift for Alex Saab, who was freed less than three years ago through a prisoner exchange involving President Joe Biden.

This represents a complete turnaround for Saab, whom Maduro had previously fought vigorously to protect following his international detention in 2020. The Colombian-born entrepreneur, whom U.S. authorities have characterized as Maduro’s “bag man,” could now potentially provide testimony against his former ally, who faces drug trafficking charges in Manhattan following his capture during a surprise U.S. military operation in January.

Venezuelan immigration officials released a brief statement Saturday without specifying Saab’s exact destination, noting the action was taken due to multiple active criminal cases in the United States. The statement’s description of Saab solely as a “Colombian citizen” appears to reference Venezuelan legal restrictions against extraditing Venezuelan nationals. During his previous detention, Maduro and acting President Delcy Rodríguez had argued that Saab held Venezuelan diplomatic status and was unlawfully seized during a fuel stop while traveling to Iran on humanitarian business.

The Associated Press previously reported that federal investigators have spent months examining Saab’s involvement in an alleged corruption scheme related to Venezuelan government food import contracts.

This probe connects to a 2021 Justice Department case targeting Saab’s business partner, Alvaro Pulido, according to a former law enforcement source. That Miami-based prosecution focuses on the CLAP program established by Maduro to distribute basic goods including rice, corn flour, and cooking oil to impoverished Venezuelans during a period of severe inflation and economic collapse.

The 54-year-old Saab built substantial wealth through Venezuelan government deals. However, he lost standing with the new administration that assumed control after Maduro’s removal. Since Rodríguez took leadership on January 3, she has reduced Saab’s influence, removing him from her Cabinet and ending his position as the primary liaison for foreign investors seeking Venezuelan opportunities. Reports have circulated for months suggesting he was either jailed or confined to his residence.

The Justice Department has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

Venezuela’s government will maintain authority to determine royalty and tax rates for international and private investors in petroleum and natural gas ventures on an individual project basis, according to draft regulations for new hydrocarbons legislation reviewed by Reuters on Saturday.

The legislation, which became law in January, established a royalty ceiling of 30% and introduced a maximum integrated hydrocarbons tax of 15%. Industry analysts had expected the accompanying regulations would outline the precise rates below those limits that international and private partners would be required to pay.

However, the draft document indicates that the Ministry of Hydrocarbons will examine each operating company’s business plan to establish the particular tax and royalty rates.

Venezuela is working to draw foreign investment and reconstruct its economy after the U.S. removed President Nicolas Maduro at the beginning of the year. Under acting President Delcy Rodriguez, the draft framework formally concludes decades of state control by permitting private companies to secure licenses for heavy crude oil processing, refining and international trading — operations that previously only state-owned PDVSA could conduct.

The 63-page regulation still requires publication in the Official Gazette before becoming effective.

Under the new legal structure, the National Assembly no longer approves energy joint ventures.

Rather, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons possesses nearly complete power to execute contracts and alter their conditions, including taxes and royalties. Oil analysts and economists have condemned the ministry’s extensive discretion as a possible obstacle to foreign investors who fear the government could make one-sided modifications to negotiated terms.

The establishment of the integrated tax generated doubt about whether Caracas planned to substantially lower the state’s share, which has traditionally been among the highest in Latin America.

A Venezuelan government official with close ties to former President Nicolas Maduro has been returned to the United States, according to an announcement Saturday from Venezuela’s immigration authority SAIME.

The official, Alex Saab, is a Colombian-Venezuelan businessman who was taken into custody in Caracas in February during a coordinated effort between American and Venezuelan law enforcement, a U.S. law enforcement official reported at the time.

Born in Colombia, Saab had previously been held in Cape Verde starting in 2020 before being brought to the United States to face bribery charges. In 2023, he received clemency as part of an agreement that secured the freedom of Americans who had been held in Venezuela.

A large-scale humanitarian mission carrying emergency supplies and volunteers has left the Libyan city of Zawiya, making its way toward Egypt’s Rafah crossing to bring assistance to Gaza.

The mission, called “Sumud 2” or “Resilience 2,” brings together more than 350 volunteers from 30 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Algeria, and Spain.

The volunteers include medical professionals, engineers, aid workers, and representatives from civil society groups who are traveling in buses and trucks filled with emergency supplies and temporary housing structures.

According to organizers, the mission includes 50 containers total – 30 loaded with emergency relief materials, 20 portable housing units, and five completely equipped ambulances.

The mission started its route in Algeria about one week ago, gathered additional resources in Libya, and has been moving eastward. Organizers report the convoy cleared security and immigration checkpoints successfully before advancing past Zliten.

The goal is to reach Gaza through Egypt’s Rafah crossing within the next few days.

Mission coordinator Ahmed Ghniya stated that organizers have been collaborating with humanitarian organizations as the convoy moves toward the Egyptian border.

“We’re now setting off in coordination with them to deliver the relief aid, as well as to deploy the medical specialties, in coordination with the Red Crescent,” Ghniya stated, according to Africa News. He noted that the convoy was in the “advanced stages” of coordination efforts with the Red Crescent.

VIENNA (AP) — Saturday evening’s 2026 Eurovision Song Contest finale showcased performers from 25 nations competing at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena in an energetic competition for Europe’s most coveted pop music title. While talent was abundant throughout the evening, the quality of musical entries varied significantly.

For Eurovision enthusiasts and newcomers alike seeking to discover the competition’s standout musical moments, here are the evening’s top 10 performances, listed without ranking.

Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu delivered “Choke Me,” a track that channels what a Lady Gaga nu-metal fusion might sound like. Beyond her spoken segments and her delivery of “All I need is your love” that echoes Gaga’s “I Want Your Love,” the song’s intense sound and undeniable stage presence set it apart.

Italy’s “Per Sempre Sì” started with piano accompaniment before evolving into surprisingly rhythmic production, featuring classical vocalist Sal Da Vinci pouring emotion into lyrics about newfound romance. This entertaining throwback appeals to fans of Eurovision’s traditional style, with Da Vinci displaying natural Italian charisma during Saturday’s performance.

Cyprus representative Antigoni may seem recognizable to viewers familiar with “Love Island UK,” where she previously appeared as a contestant on the popular reality dating program. While her television appearance was brief, her uplifting “Jalla” promises lasting impact in 2026. The summery pop track incorporates traditional Cypriot instruments like çifteli and lute, creating ideal mental vacation soundtrack material.

Finland met expectations with their electrifying performance, having been early competition favorites. Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen’s “Liekinheitin” (“Flamethrower”) combines Parkkonen’s emotional vocals with Lampenius’ passionate violin work. The collaboration pairs an “Idol” finalist with an internationally acclaimed classical musician in a successful partnership.

Moldova’s Eurovision contribution featured rapper Satoshi delivering the playfully patriotic “Viva, Moldova!” with complete dedication, performing in multiple languages with an irresistibly catchy chorus reminiscent of Irish hip-hop group Kneecap’s anthemic style. Built on persistent flute melodies, breakbeats, and continuous electronic elements, the performance was impossible to ignore, guaranteed to leave “Welcome to Moldova!” echoing in listeners’ minds.

Bulgaria’s Dara, an experienced pop artist with appearances on “The Voice,” “The X Factor,” and “Dancing with the Stars,” deserves broader international recognition. Her energetic pop anthem “Bangaranga,” featuring Nicki Minaj-inspired elements, ranked among the year’s most spirited tracks and provided an uplifting stage experience.

Every Eurovision contest traditionally includes a pop metal entry, and Serbia fulfilled this expectation with Lavina’s atmospheric “Kraj Mene.” The performance balanced heavy guitar work with gospel harmonies, featuring restrained screaming and minimal breakdowns while delivering welcome intensity worth acknowledging.

Australia’s Delta Goodrem brought significant international recognition to the 2026 Eurovision lineup. Her credentials include judging Australia’s “The Voice,” starring in Australian soap “Neighbours,” and receiving mentorship from Olivia Newton-John, even writing “Eyes on Me” for Celine Dion. (Dion famously won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988.) Goodrem’s powerful vocal approach peaks on her power ballad “Eclipse,” featuring layered harmonies, skilled piano work, and a strong synthesized conclusion with an extended note, embodying classic Eurovision style. This strategic selection from the Australian performer clearly connected with Saturday’s audience.

The performance opened with cinematic chanting and church-like choir vocals enhancing the dramatic presentation. Alis, performing “Nân,” delivered what resembled a blockbuster film’s emotional transitional music. The stage presentation maintained this impact: he appeared in sequined chainmail before a screen while a woman representing a mother moved around him.

Belgium’s Essyla presented “Dancing on the Ice,” featuring cool vocal delivery and Billie Eilish-influenced production that succeeds both within and beyond Eurovision context. (Consider her similar to Ava Max’s style.) Her runner-up finish on “The Voice Belgique” rather than winning seems unjust given this quality. Her final performance appeared designed to demand justice and recognition.

Israeli military officials confirmed Saturday the death of Capt. Maoz Israel Recanati, a 24-year-old officer who served as a platoon commander with the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion from Itamar, following a drone attack that targeted military personnel in southern Lebanon.

The captain’s death brings to 20 the total number of Israeli soldiers who have died in Lebanon during Operation Roaring Lion, and marks the seventh military death recorded since the ceasefire went into effect.

This latest fatality follows the previous day’s loss of Staff Sgt. Negev Dagan, 20, from Dekel, who died in southern Lebanon when Hezbollah forces launched mortar attacks.

According to the Samaria Regional Council, Recanati leaves behind his parents and six siblings. The council revealed that he was set to wed his fiancée Rani, whom he met during their studies at a local seminary, with their wedding planned for approximately one month from now.

Following word of the officer’s death, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan issued a tribute to Recanati.

“Maoz was among the best of our sons, a brave officer and devoted fighter who dedicated his life to the security of the people of Israel,” Dagan said.

Dagan further described Recanati as “the son of a pioneering family deeply rooted in Itamar, raised on the values of love of the land and devotion to the state.”

Israeli military forces announced Saturday they had eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, described as the commander of Hamas’ armed wing, during a precision operation in Gaza City targeting a high-ranking official involved in overseeing military operations and reconstructing Hamas’ fighting capacity. Al-Haddad represents the highest-ranking Hamas official eliminated since the ceasefire took effect last October.

Military officials stated the operation focused on al-Haddad’s location in Gaza City. Reports from Reuters indicated his spouse and child also perished during the strike.

The IDF released a statement Saturday explaining that despite ceasefire terms requiring Hamas to surrender weapons, al-Haddad had recently “acted to rebuild the capabilities of the terrorist organization’s military wing and to plan numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops.”

Images from AFP captured mourners transporting al-Haddad’s remains on a stretcher covered with a Hamas banner through the debris of a destroyed structure.

Military sources revealed that within the previous two weeks, they had also eliminated two Hamas operatives connected to the October 7 invasion. These individuals were named as Iyad Muhammad Al-Matouq and Khaled Muhammad Salem Jouda.

In related developments, Hamas leadership voting concluded without a decisive outcome, leading to arrangements for additional balloting, according to Ynet’s reporting. Neither candidate achieved success in the initial voting round between Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashal, the primary rivals for organizational leadership.

A 42-year-old government worker named Saeed in Sanaa hasn’t received steady pay in years. Every morning, he looks at his cell phone not hoping for work or wages, but to check what little money he has left. What he usually finds is a text from his phone company asking him to donate 100 rials “to support the Missile and Drone Force” by texting code 180.

Throughout regions under Houthi control, millions of Yemenis face what opponents call an organized digital fundraising operation. While many families from the middle class can’t afford basic groceries, the phone industry has turned into a key funding source for military activities.

Though 100 rials might seem like a small amount, when collected from millions of phone users, it creates significant revenue that helps pay for weapons manufacturing and combat operations. For Saeed, that money could buy another loaf of bread for his family. The Houthis frame it as a “popular contribution” for missiles and drones used in battles and regional conflicts.

What officials call a “voluntary donation” appears to be much more extensive. It shows a planned approach to managing resources in Houthi-controlled areas, taking money from financially struggling Yemenis to fund military expenses while increasing the divide between humanitarian requirements and defense spending.

The problem goes beyond the text messages on Saeed’s phone. Behind the 100-rial donation request linked to code “180” and similar numbers is a daily fight for survival.

“When I receive a message asking me to support the ‘missile force,’ I feel like my phone is no longer a communication tool—it has become a mandatory piggy bank for the Houthis,” Saeed said bitterly. “They do not ask whether I can afford food for my children. Instead, they force me into a war I have nothing to do with. How can I donate to missile production when I cannot even buy a sack of flour?”

A United Nations Panel of Experts report, S/2023/833, shows these collections aren’t random but part of what the document calls a “resource extraction system” that brings in hundreds of millions of dollars each year without financial oversight or transparent government budgeting.

The document details how money from this essential industry gets redirected to weapons production, essentially making regular phone customers unwilling funders of military actions that reach beyond Yemen’s borders into the Red Sea and other areas.

Abdulwasea, a technical engineer at a mobile phone company, explained how this “money printer” works in the industry: “We are not running marketing campaigns—we are implementing technical military orders.”

“As soon as a military operation against targets in Saudi Arabia or Israel is announced, we receive instructions to send the messages. These codes are linked to a direct deduction system, and the money is transferred at the end of each day to designated accounts.”

This system targets millions of customers with relatively small amounts—about 100 rials each—which can create billions in available cash within hours. The engineer said this quick money flow helps fund drone programs and missile development by taking advantage of complete control over phone infrastructure and turning technology meant to connect people into a financing tool for extended conflicts.

Street conditions reflect what’s happening to mobile phone accounts.

In his retail store on a busy Sanaa street, Abdulwahid observes not only his customers but also the changes forced on his business with each new event introduced by the Houthis.

“My shop has shifted from being a source of income into a channel for funneling money to supervisors,” Abdulwahid said. “We do not pay zakat and taxes just once—we pay them repeatedly, under labels such as ‘supporting the frontlines’ or ‘Martyr’s Week.’ Even cleaning fees, municipal charges, and business licensing costs have multiplied several times over, without any improvement in services.”

These actions aren’t isolated incidents by individual people, but part of a planned strategy designed to drain the private sector and reshape the economy to benefit the war authority. A report by the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies indicates the Houthis gathered nearly $1.8 billion annually in taxes and fees from areas under their control.

This alternative system doesn’t stop at current taxation; it also goes after companies and banks retroactively, demanding financial records going back to when they were established to collect taxes supposedly unpaid for decades, with the money directed toward funding the “war effort” rather than paying government worker salaries.

The reports also show that these practices have damaged the regular business sector in favor of a new group of “war profiteers” connected to the Houthis, who use the system to expand their power. Meanwhile, independent small business owners like Abdulwahid face two harsh choices: accepting the collection system or risking financial ruin and leaving the market.

A field study conducted for this report included a random group of 50 people, including phone users and wholesale and retail merchants in markets throughout the capital.

The results showed the severity of the crisis. About 98% of participants—48 people—said the ongoing collections directly contributed to higher prices for essential goods and declining buying power, claiming that war effort fees consume money that would otherwise be spent on food and medicine for their families.

Fear also influenced the responses. Two participants refused to talk or share any views, worried that the survey team could be connected with the Houthis and assigned to watch for opposing voices. Their refusal showed widespread distrust and fear of punishment.

In the end, Saeed’s battle to get bread and Abdulwahid’s fear of losing his business meet at the same place.

After more than ten years of war that destroyed Yemen and made the “government sector salary” a distant memory from a more stable time, Yemenis now find themselves caught in a new pattern of collections that goes beyond funding domestic battle lines to supporting broader regional conflicts.

Yemen, once a nation seeking a political answer to its crisis, has increasingly become, critics say, a testing site for a “trench economy”—a financial system that thrives on crises and uses religious and nationalist feelings to justify taking citizens’ savings.

While missiles fired across the region send political and military messages, the clearest message for people like Saeed and Abdulwahid shows up on a phone screen or payment receipt: Even the fight for daily bread has become fuel for wars that ordinary Yemenis neither chose nor expect to benefit from and may lead to more poverty.

President Trump has labeled Iran’s most recent nuclear proposal as “garbage,” rejecting what sources describe as an offer containing some nuclear concessions. The President maintains his position that highly enriched uranium must be removed from Iran and that the nation must be prevented from developing nuclear weapons. Iran continues to assert that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only.

Diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran have reached an impasse amid a fragile ceasefire, with escalating tensions threatening to plunge the Middle East back into active conflict and extend the global energy crisis that emerged from the ongoing dispute.

In related developments, President Trump announced that the United States maintains close surveillance of Iran’s nuclear materials through Space Force technology capable of tracking individual movements near storage facilities in real-time. He emphasized that securing these materials represents a top priority and issued warnings of decisive military intervention should Iranian forces attempt to access them, calling on Tehran to honor existing nuclear agreements.

These developments unfold against a backdrop of failed negotiations, continued Iranian provocations, and American efforts to counter Iran’s aggressive maritime operations.

The situation comes as President Trump has recently returned to Washington following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China has announced its active involvement in mediating the Iranian conflict, working with Pakistan to develop a peace proposal designed to establish a ceasefire and reopen crucial waterways, especially the Strait of Hormuz. This effort demonstrates China’s ambition to expand its influence in Middle Eastern diplomatic affairs.

Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that previously handled one-fifth of global oil transport before the conflict began, while the United States continues blocking Iranian ports.

A 91-year-old man facing charges related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide has died at a hospital while being held in custody in The Hague, Netherlands, according to a U.N. court announcement made Saturday. This comes three years after judicial officials determined he was mentally incompetent to proceed with his trial.

Félicien Kabuga faced allegations of funding and promoting the systematic slaughter of Rwanda’s Tutsi population. Legal proceedings against him commenced in 2022, almost thirty years following the 100-day period of violence that claimed 800,000 lives.

Court officials ruled in 2023 that he could not continue facing trial due to his dementia diagnosis, announcing they would create a framework to proceed with evidence collection while removing any possibility of a conviction.

The U.N. International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals announced Saturday that Kabuga passed away during his hospital stay in The Hague, with the medical officer at the U.N. Detention Unit receiving immediate notification.

Officials have launched an inquiry to determine the specific circumstances surrounding his death, according to the court’s statement.

Authorities issued a warrant for Kabuga’s arrest in 2013 and offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. French authorities apprehended him in 2020, leading to the start of his trial two years later.

The charges against Kabuga included genocide, promoting genocide, plotting genocide, along with persecution, extermination and murder. He entered a plea of not guilty. A conviction would have resulted in a potential life sentence.

Following the court’s determination of his mental incompetence, he continued to be detained while officials worked to resolve questions about his potential release to any nation willing to accept him.

His legal representative stated that he would not agree to return to Rwanda, despite that country’s willingness to receive him, citing concerns about potential mistreatment.

The court’s ruling declaring him unfit for prosecution frustrated numerous genocide survivors in Rwanda, who believed his alleged crimes warranted the harshest possible punishment.

The mass killings began on April 6, 1994, following the downing of an aircraft carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana, which crashed in Kigali, the capital city, killing the leader who belonged to the ethnic Hutu majority like most Rwandans. Kabuga’s daughter had married the president’s son.

Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest finale kicked off in Vienna despite heightened security measures and wet weather that couldn’t dampen spectator excitement — though controversy continued to swirl around Israel’s participation in the competition.

Following days of anticipation, performers representing 25 nations appeared on stage at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena, vying for Europe’s most prestigious pop music title. Global audiences tuned in to witness the 70th anniversary celebration featuring diverse acts including a Finnish violinist with fiery performances, a folk rapper from Moldova, and a metal group from Serbia, among others.

Political tensions overshadowed the milestone event for the third consecutive year, with activists demanding Israel’s removal due to ongoing Gaza conflicts and other military actions. Five nations with long Eurovision histories — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — chose to skip this year’s competition as a form of protest.

The evening began with a cinematic opening sequence highlighting Austria’s stunning landscapes, featuring a paper boat journeying toward Vienna — a nod to 2025 Eurovision champion JJ’s tempestuous rendition of “Wasted Love.”

Last year’s victor, Austrian vocalist JJ who received operatic training, launched the live show, followed by an Olympic-style procession displaying flags of all 25 competing nations. The musical performances then commenced, with each artist having a brief 3-minute window to captivate millions of global viewers who join professional music industry juries in selecting the champion.

Saturday’s spectacular event featured hosts Michael Ostrowski, an Austrian performer recognized for his work in German-language comedic cinema, alongside Victoria Swarovski, who works as a model, vocalist, television personality, and represents the Swarovski crystal and luxury brand dynasty.

Eurovision’s leadership encouraged audiences to set aside political concerns and focus on enjoying what the director called the “brilliant, wonderful, heartfelt show” that defines the competition’s championship round.

While the contest marked its 70th year amid demands to remove Israel over its Gaza war conduct and the five-nation boycott, Eurovision director Martin Green described the event as an opportunity to “close the curtains to the outside world and dream that something else is possible” for several hours.

During a press briefing, he emphasized that Eurovision has spent seven decades providing “voice to the voiceless” and honoring marginalized groups.

“Here’s to the next 70 years,” he said.

A 93-year-old man suspected of playing a role in the 1994 Rwanda genocide has died while in custody at a United Nations detention facility, according to a UN court announcement on Saturday.

Lucien Kabuga had been captured in France during 2020 following more than 20 years as a fugitive before being transferred to The Hague. Court officials later determined he was mentally unfit for trial due to dementia and too sick to be sent back to Rwanda.

Since no nation agreed to take him in, Kabuga continued to be held at the UN detention facility in The Hague. Court officials have announced they will investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

The deceased man, who previously operated businesses and owned a radio station, was considered one of the final wanted fugitives connected to the genocide. During that period, Hutu extremists murdered over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus within a span of 100 days.

Legal authorities had charged Kabuga with spreading hate speech via his radio station Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines and providing weapons to ethnic Hutu militias.

The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, which announced his death, handles ongoing cases from previous UN tribunals dealing with Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.

A French court will move forward with examining allegations against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman concerning his involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office announced Saturday.

The prosecutor’s office, referred to as the PNAT, stated that an investigating judge from the crimes against humanity unit will now handle the matter following a May 11 decision by the Paris Court of Appeal.

Trial International and Reporters Without Borders submitted the legal filing. These organizations allege the Saudi crown prince participated in torture and enforced disappearance related to Khashoggi’s death, a Saudi opposition journalist and Washington Post writer who was violently murdered at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul during October 2018.

Khashoggi’s remains were cut apart and have never been recovered.

The PNAT explained that the Paris Court of Appeal determined the allegations were acceptable because the potential for classifying the matter as a crime against humanity — which could encompass the related offenses of torture and enforced disappearance — could not be dismissed at this point.

The prosecutor’s office acknowledged the court’s determination while noting that the decision did not contradict its own understanding of French criminal procedure laws regarding whether the organizations had standing to submit the complaint as civil parties.

The French legal action was originally submitted in 2022, while Prince Mohammed was visiting France. The crown prince had experienced international ostracism following Khashoggi’s murder but has subsequently been welcomed again by Western officials and leaders.

The initiation of a French judicial investigation does not indicate Prince Mohammed has been formally accused or that French courts have determined his guilt. It signifies an investigating judge will review whether the allegations can proceed to additional legal action.

Prince Mohammed has rejected claims that he ordered Khashoggi’s murder but has acknowledged it occurred during his leadership as Saudi Arabia’s effective head of state.

U.S. intelligence services had previously determined that he authorized the mission that resulted in the killing.

Saudi Arabia conducted a private trial regarding the murder and claimed it penalized those accountable, but human rights organizations condemned the legal process as secretive and inadequate.

ROME (AP) — Eight people sustained injuries when a vehicle struck pedestrians on a sidewalk in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday, with four victims in critical condition, local officials reported.

Mayor Massimo Mezzetti confirmed that while no fatalities occurred in the incident, four individuals suffered severe injuries. One woman became trapped against a storefront window and required both legs to be amputated, he stated.

According to Mezzetti, the operator of the vehicle is a 31-year-old man who was born in Bergamo and grew up in Modena’s province. Authorities have taken him into custody and are conducting interviews at police facilities while working to establish if he was impaired by substances or if his actions were intentional.

The mayor described how the vehicle moved onto one of the city’s primary roadways and “mounted the sidewalk, launching multiple individuals into the air,” before colliding with the store window.

A minimum of eight individuals sustained injuries, with four experiencing very severe trauma, the mayor confirmed. Medical facilities in both Modena and Bologna received the victims, with helicopter transport used for the most critical patients.

The operator tried to escape but was first restrained by some of the people affected by the incident, then by law enforcement officers who transported him to headquarters for interviews.

People at the scene reported that the man was carrying a knife, though he did not succeed in stabbing anyone, the mayor noted, explaining that investigators continue working to establish if the incident was intentional or connected to other factors.

“Regardless of the motivation, this represents a very grave incident,” Mezzetti stated. “Should this prove to be an attack, it would be even more severe.”

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni described the occurrence as “extremely serious” in a social media statement and voiced support for the victims and their loved ones.

Meloni expressed appreciation to citizens who stepped in to help apprehend the suspect and commended law enforcement officials, noting she was communicating with local authorities and anticipated the suspect would face complete accountability.

Emergency responders, including police, carabinieri and financial police, arrived at the location, which was sealed off while ambulances provided care to victims on the street.

A Palestinian advocate claims French officials are working to remove him from the country, alleging he represents a security risk and targeting him because of his pro-Palestinian organizing efforts.

Ramy Shaath, age 54, released an online video statement on May 14 claiming the deportation attempt represents part of what he called a wider effort to suppress Palestinians and those supporting Palestinian causes within France.

Following the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Shaath co-founded the pro-Palestinian group Urgence Palestine. He claims French officials are pursuing him after previous legal actions were unsuccessful.

The French Interior Ministry has not yet provided a response to requests seeking comment.

In his video statement, Shaath indicated the deportation effort came after previous challenges in renewing his French residency documentation, despite having family connections in France. He further claimed his banking account was terminated without notice and his health insurance coverage was canceled, stating these actions impacted his capacity to work, travel and obtain medical treatment.

Shaath indicated he and his family plan to fight the legal proceedings in both French and European judicial systems.

Born in Egypt and Palestine, Shaath previously led the Egyptian division of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. He has consistently connected his Palestinian advocacy with resistance to authoritarian governments throughout the Arab region.

During a 2022 Associated Press interview following his freedom from Egyptian imprisonment, he characterized his advocacy work — spanning Egypt’s 2011 democracy movement to his involvement with the Palestinian-led boycott campaign against Israel — as “civil, nonviolent action against injustice, against inhumane treatment and against occupation as well as dictatorship.”

In 2014, Shaath established the Egyptian division of the BDS movement. Egyptian authorities detained him in 2019 and freed him in January 2022, following more than two and a half years in custody.

He stated at that time that Egyptian officials never officially filed charges against him and that he had been confined in an overcrowded, insect-infested cell before subsequently being placed alone in a room without windows.

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated Shaath’s freedom from Egyptian imprisonment in 2022.

Shaath’s wife holds French citizenship and he has a daughter who is both French and Palestinian.

Thousands of educators flooded the streets of Portugal’s capital on Saturday, voicing their frustration with the centre-right government over inadequate compensation, slow career advancement, and poor working conditions.

The demonstration was coordinated by the FENPROF teachers’ union, which criticized government officials for failing to address concerns about insufficient wages, career stagnation, and excessive workloads. Union representatives reported thousands of participants, though law enforcement has not yet provided crowd estimates.

Last May, government officials reached an agreement with union representatives to incrementally restore over six years and six months of career progression that had been suspended following Portugal’s 2011 financial rescue package. This arrangement enabled more than 100,000 educators in public schools to advance on the salary scale, increasing their monthly earnings by several hundred euros, though no retroactive compensation was included.

Numerous educators believe these steps are insufficient. Entry-level public school teachers receive approximately 1,714 euros monthly before taxes, positioning Portugal among the lower-compensated OECD nations for beginning educators.

“I lost 60,000 euros that I will never recover. They are giving us back just a few crumbs, and we’re supposed to be happy with that? No. We need to be properly valued,” said geology teacher Catarina Pinheiro, 47, during the demonstration.

Throughout an entire career, educators’ compensation can fall 15% to 25% beneath the OECD average. Although maximum earnings reach approximately 3,700 euros monthly before taxes, achieving this level can require nearly four decades. Public sector compensation also establishes standards for private educational institutions.

Educators participating in the rally expressed that inadequate pay and sluggish advancement opportunities were creating widespread discontent throughout the profession, especially among newer staff members, and cautioned that public education systems were facing significant pressure.

Hundreds of citizens gathered in Tunisia’s capital city on Saturday to voice their opposition to President Kais Saied, charging him with eroding civil liberties while overseeing a deepening economic and social crisis.

The demonstration took place under the rallying cry: “The people are hungry and prisons are full”.

Those who gathered demanded an end to authoritarian leadership and displayed signs condemning the detention of political figures, media workers and community activists, as worries grow about an expanding campaign against opposition voices.

Rally participants also condemned what they characterized as Saied’s inability to address the nation’s economic troubles, while employing courts and law enforcement to suppress opposition.

The North African nation is experiencing severe economic difficulties, including stagnant economic expansion, rising costs, medical and food supply shortages, budget constraints, and declining government services.

Saied, who disbanded the legislative body and started governing through executive orders in 2022, has encountered increasing condemnation from human rights organizations regarding what they describe as the destruction of the democratic framework established after 2011.

Saied dismisses these charges, stating his actions are essential to rescue the nation from disorder and corruption.

The legal profession has announced work stoppages in upcoming days over the weakening of court independence, while the media workers’ organization is planning demonstrations against the imprisonment of reporters and limits on news media freedoms.

Government officials maintain they are upholding legal standards and deny claims of political persecution.

SAO PAULO, May 16 – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro would finish in a statistical dead heat if they faced each other in an October runoff election, new polling data from Datafolha revealed Saturday.

The survey shows both candidates would capture exactly 45% of voter support in a head-to-head matchup. Flavio is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

This represents a slight shift from April’s polling, which had given Flavio a narrow 46% to 45% edge over Lula – though that difference fell within the survey’s two percentage point margin of error, making it essentially tied.

In first-round voting scenarios, the poll of 2,004 voters found Lula would capture 38% support, with Flavio finishing second at 35%.

Most interviews for this latest survey were completed before Intercept Brasil broke a story detailing Flavio’s connections to former banker Daniel Vorcaro.

The report alleges Flavio worked to secure 134 million reais ($26.5 million) from Vorcaro, who previously owned Banco Master, to fund a biographical film about his father.

Vorcaro remains behind bars as authorities investigate the scandal surrounding Banco Master’s financial collapse.

Flavio has rejected any claims of impropriety regarding his dealings with Vorcaro. Legal representatives for Vorcaro have previously refused to provide statements about the Intercept Brasil investigation.

Romanian defense officials announced Saturday that they discovered an unexploded device containing explosives in a village located in the southeastern part of the country, close to its border with Ukraine.

The NATO and European Union member nation has a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine. Unmanned aircraft from Russia targeting Ukrainian ports along the Danube river have repeatedly entered Romanian airspace, with debris occasionally landing on Romanian soil when Ukrainian defenders intercept them.

Defense ministry officials identified the device as an unguided reactive projectile, which was located in the yard of an empty residence in Pardina village within Tulcea county, according to their official statement. Authorities did not specify where they believe the projectile originated.

“Technical verifications confirmed the presence of 2 kg worth of explosives in the projectile’s body,” the statement said, adding that the area’s perimeter had been secured.

In the previous month, an explosive unmanned aircraft crashed into a residential backyard in the city of Galati, representing the initial occurrence since Ukraine’s conflict began where such an event caused property damage within Romania.

Leaders from NATO’s 14 eastern member countries stated this week that Russia’s continued airspace violations demonstrate the critical importance of strengthening the alliance’s defensive capabilities against missiles and unmanned aircraft.

GAZA CITY (AP) — New photographs from Gaza City reveal the devastating aftermath of an Israeli military strike that resulted in the death of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a high-ranking Hamas military official whom Israel has identified as a key planner behind the October 7, 2023 attacks. The images show fire and widespread damage at the location of the strike, with local residents responding to the scene and mourners assembling for funeral services.

This collection of photographs was assembled by AP photo editors.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale shook the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The seismic event was recorded by federal monitoring systems in the region.

An Austrian filmmaker opened up Saturday about the challenges she faced while creating her latest movie, which explores the devastating impact of child sexual abuse allegations on a family.

Director Marie Kreutzer discussed her Cannes Film Festival submission “Gentle Monster” with reporters following the movie’s debut, describing how difficult it was to find support for the sensitive project.

“I could feel that everywhere, when I went somewhere with the project, people were like, shying away,” Kreutzer explained to journalists. “I knew this was not the easy path.”

According to Kreutzer, the movie intentionally avoids providing simple solutions and instead aims to challenge viewers. “The idea of the film is to ask you questions, to ask us as a society questions,” she stated.

The drama features French actress Lea Seydoux as Lucy, a musician who relocates her family to rural surroundings before law enforcement officers arrive to detain her spouse Philip, portrayed by Laurence Rupp, for allegedly possessing and distributing illegal images involving children.

Following the shocking detention, Lucy begins questioning everything she thought she knew about her partner while worrying whether their child might have suffered harm. Cinema legend Catherine Deneuve appears as Lucy’s strong-willed mother, providing crucial emotional support during the crisis.

Kreutzer revealed that her inspiration came from news coverage of a criminal network in Germany involving similar crimes.

“I just felt helpless after reading it. And I felt that the only thing that I could do as a filmmaker, as a storyteller, is make a film about it,” the director explained.

Instead of concentrating on the accused individual, Kreutzer deliberately focused her narrative on the people surrounding him.

“This was a story about how society, how people who love someone who did this deal with it,” she noted.

Kreutzer previously brought her Austrian period piece “Corsage” to Cannes in 2022, where it screened in the Un Certain Regard section.

“Gentle Monster” now vies alongside 21 other productions for the prestigious Palme d’Or award, with winners to be announced on May 23.

TULA, Mexico (AP) — Explosive devices dropped from above and gunfire echoing through her concrete home forced 74-year-old María Cabrera and her relatives to escape into the dark mountainous terrain of central Mexico carrying nothing but what they wore.

Seven days after fleeing, Cabrera sifts through the burnt remains of her belongings, recovering cookware, fabric pieces and a small wooden cross. She understands this marks her final visit to the residence where she lived for six decades.

“Oh God, why have you abandoned me,” she expressed while crying inconsolably, walking among the burned remnants of her former mattress in a tiny room with a caved-in ceiling and a damaged refrigerator nearby. “How are we going to rebuild? We don’t have money, we don’t have anything.”

She became part of an expanding population of displaced individuals in violence-plagued areas of Mexico who must abandon their residences. Researchers characterize this situation as a hidden crisis with lasting humanitarian impacts — official statistics on displaced populations remain limited, and these individuals have minimal support systems available after violence drives them away.

Cabrera escaped her small community on Friday following years of escalating criminal organization violence in Tula. This settlement of approximately 200 indigenous Náhuatl residents represents one of numerous communities in the central state of Guerrero devastated by decades of splintering competing criminal organizations fighting for territorial dominance.

During the previous week, an organization called Los Ardillos launched an assault on her community and several neighboring ones using explosive devices fired from drones, engaged in combat with local community police units, slaughtered farm animals and incinerated residences like Cabrera’s beyond recognition.

Cabrera cautiously passed bags of personal items to military personnel accompanying a small number of families returning to collect their possessions. She offered prayers while armed uniformed men loaded her belongings into a vehicle’s cargo area. During her final walk through her garden, she asked for forgiveness from the dogs and chickens she had to abandon.

“We don’t want to abandon them,” she expressed. “But we suffered through everything. We can’t live here anymore.”

A regional human rights organization, Indigenous and People’s Council of Guerrero-Emiliano Zapata, or CIPOG-EZ, calculated that no fewer than 800 individuals, including minors and elderly residents, were forcibly relocated alongside Cabrera, and three community police members — units frequently established for self-protection due to government absence — who resisted the criminal organization were killed.

The government statistics show much smaller numbers: Mexico’s administration announced on Tuesday that just 120 individuals were compelled to relocate and verified zero fatalities. One community representative staying at the basketball facility on Friday informed a local government representative that in their settlement alone they calculated approximately 280 residents had been compelled to flee.

Some households escaped into the hills without looking behind them. Hundreds found refuge beneath a neighborhood basketball facility, hoping conditions might become safe enough to eventually return to their homes. Additional families — some injured by bullets — entered automobiles, buses and trucks, dispersing to various areas of Mexico.

Footage shared on social platforms this week display groups of weeping women and children asking for assistance.

These scenes prompted the administration to send 1,200 military and police personnel to the area. Authorities report they have mostly controlled the violence, created a “safe corridor” for humanitarian assistance to arrive, and established the foundation to resolve the area’s complex conflict.

“What we do not want is a confrontation that would affect the civilian population. Above all, we must preserve people’s lives,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated during a press briefing last week.

Opponents argue this represented another instance of government inaction and attempts to minimize the severity of the displacement crisis in Mexico. Unlike Colombia, Mexico lacks a comprehensive database of displaced individuals. Government statistics are frequently described as inadequate by organizations like the U.N. refugee agency, human rights organizations and researchers studying the crisis.

A 2025 government National Survey of Victimization and Public Security Perception calculated that almost 250,000 households were compelled to abandon their residences in 2024 alone to protect themselves from criminal activity.

From 2024 to 2025, the Ibero-American University recorded no fewer than 44,695 individuals who had escaped their homes to different regions of Mexico. Many additional people migrate to the U.S.

In a May analysis, the university observed that forced relocations are increasing in Mexico during a period when the administration has attempted to emphasize security improvements — such as significant decreases in murders — to counter threats by the administration to conduct military operations against Mexican cartels.

“There’s no more life in these communities,” stated Prisco Rodríguez, a local representative for CIPOG-EZ. “The government says people have already returned to their houses, but there’s no one here. People don’t say where they’re going out of fear … and the majority never appear.”

Cabrera and her spouse, 75-year-old Alejandro Venancio Bruno, were struggling to determine their destination. Cabrera mentioned that her children urge her to relocate with them in Mexico City, roughly 350 kilometers (220 miles) from their residence, or the state of Queretaro, and restart their lives in a different location.

However, Venancio explained that he has dedicated his life to cultivating his property, and without funds, a residence or his most precious assets — his goats — any alternative existence beyond Tula appears impossible.

“It’s like starting from zero,” he stated.

A former British health minister announced Saturday his plans to mount a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, making the declaration just days after resigning from his government role and calling on Starmer to establish a timeline for stepping down.

Wes Streeting addressed supporters at a Progress group gathering for Labour Party members, stating his commitment to enter the race. “We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I will be standing,” Streeting declared during his remarks to the conference.

The announcement comes as political tensions continue within the Labour Party leadership structure in London.

Chinese commerce officials on Saturday labeled trade agreements reached during President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing as “preliminary” arrangements still requiring finalization.

The U.S. President concluded his two-day stay in China on Friday following discussions with President Xi Jinping that emphasized ceremony and diplomatic language but offered limited concrete details regarding trade and investment outcomes.

According to a commerce ministry website statement, both nations agreed to create an investment board and trade board for negotiating mutual tariff reductions on specific products, along with broader cuts affecting various goods including agricultural items.

Regarding agricultural trade, Beijing indicated both countries would address non-tariff obstacles and market access challenges.

“The U.S. side will actively promote the resolution of China’s long-standing concerns regarding the automatic detention of dairy products and aquatic products, exports of bonsai in growing media to the United States, and recognizing Shandong province as an area free of avian influenza,” the ministry stated.

“The Chinese side will also actively promote the resolution of U.S. concerns regarding registration of beef facilities and exports of poultry meat from some U.S. states to China,” officials added.

The ministry statement lacked specific company names, transaction volumes, monetary values, or completion schedules.

Saturday’s announcement represented China’s initial public assessment of trade discussions conducted this week in Beijing and Seoul, emerging as observers question the concrete achievements of Trump’s first state visit to China in almost ten years.

While Trump announced China’s commitment to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft, analysts have raised concerns about the absence of specific timelines.

The commerce ministry acknowledged arrangements regarding “Chinese purchases of U.S. aircraft and U.S. assurances on the supply of aircraft engines and parts to China” without providing additional specifics.

Officials indicated that detailed discussions continue and stated the agreements would be “finalised as soon as possible.”

Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics announced Saturday his choice of opposition lawmaker Andris Kulbergs to serve as the nation’s next prime minister, following the resignation of Evika Silina.

Silina announced her departure on Thursday, leading to the breakdown of her governing coalition just months ahead of elections scheduled for October.

Kulbergs represents the United List of smaller parties, which serves as the biggest opposition group in the country’s parliament. His appointment to the top government post depends on legislative approval of both him and his cabinet members.

“Considering recent events, I think the new prime minister should come from opposition parties,” Rinkevics stated during a news conference.

The political crisis began when Silina removed Defence Minister Andris Spruds from his position last weekend following an incident where two Ukrainian drones wandered into Latvian territory from Russia and detonated at an oil storage site. Similar drone incidents have occurred recently in other NATO member countries Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Latvia’s military forces acknowledged they were unable to track the drones as they entered from Russian airspace. Silina held Spruds responsible for insufficient progress in creating anti-drone defense capabilities.

Following his dismissal, Spruds’ Progressives party pulled their backing from Silina’s administration on Wednesday, eliminating her parliamentary majority and making her vulnerable to a confidence vote.

President Donald Trump’s latest statements characterizing weapons sales to Taiwan as a bargaining tool with China have sparked growing concern on the self-governing island that Beijing views as its territory.

During a Fox News interview with Bret Baier broadcast following Trump’s recent high-profile trip to China on Friday, the president made these troubling remarks.

Beijing considers Taiwan a rogue territory that must be brought back under Chinese control, using military force if needed. While the United States maintains no official diplomatic recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation—like other countries with formal Beijing relationships—America has served as the island’s primary supporter and weapons provider.

Trump now indicates this support could become part of broader negotiations.

When questioned about approving a stalled $14 billion weapons deal for Taiwan, Trump indicated the decision rests with China.

“I’m holding that in abeyance and it depends on China,” he stated. “It’s a very good negotiating chip for us, frankly. It’s a lot of weapons.”

American law requires the U.S. to supply Taiwan with defensive capabilities, and Washington considers any threats against the island as serious concerns.

William Yang, who analyzes Northeast Asia for International Crisis Group, warned that Trump’s approach of linking Taiwan arms sales to Chinese negotiations could trigger one of the island’s worst fears: becoming a bargaining item rather than a participant in discussions.

While Trump hasn’t specified what he would seek from China in exchange for blocking Taiwan’s weapons access, he has pushed Beijing to increase American product purchases and assist with Iran pressure campaigns.

Trump and Congress had previously authorized an $11 billion Taiwan arms deal in December. China responded with aggressive military exercises around the island.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent meeting with Trump, China characterized Taiwan as the most critical issue between the two nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Beijing next week.

Xi delivered one of his most forceful warnings Thursday, cautioning Trump about potential “clashes and even conflicts” if Taiwan issues aren’t managed carefully.

Taiwan’s presidential office responded Saturday by emphasizing “that the consistent U.S. policy and position toward Taiwan remain unchanged.”

“The Republic of China is a sovereign, independent, democratic country; this is self-evident, and Beijing’s claims are therefore without merit,” stated Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo, using Taiwan’s formal designation. She expressed continued appreciation for Trump’s backing and noted that U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan are legally mandated.

Island officials also expressed unease about Trump’s demand that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry—the world’s most extensive and sophisticated—relocate to America.

“I’d like to see everybody making chips over in Taiwan come into America,” Trump told Fox News, calling such relocation “the greatest thing you can do.”

Trump has consistently urged Taiwanese semiconductor companies, which manufacture over 90% of the globe’s most sophisticated chips used in artificial intelligence, mobile devices, and defense systems, to establish American manufacturing operations.

TSMC, Taiwan’s premier chipmaker, has pledged $165 billion for an Arizona facility. Through a comprehensive trade deal with America this year, Taiwan’s administration committed $250 billion toward U.S. semiconductor investments, incorporating TSMC’s earlier pledge.

Trump also repeated previous claims that Taiwan “stole” America’s chipmaking capabilities years ago.

Although Trump didn’t modify official U.S. Taiwan policy language during his Xi summit—something many experts had worried about—he appeared to embrace some of the Chinese leader’s rhetoric about Taiwan’s leadership.

Beijing has labeled Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a “Taiwan independence diehard” and claimed he would bring conflict and devastation to the island.

Trump and senior American officials typically avoid direct contact with Taiwanese leaders but have demonstrated support previously, such as permitting former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to stop on American territory while traveling to Latin America. Lai, approaching his presidency’s second anniversary, hasn’t visited the U.S. mainland, which some analysts view as reduced Trump administration support.

In his Fox News discussion, Trump emphasized his preference for maintaining current Taiwan-Beijing arrangements. “But they have somebody there now that wants to go independent,” he remarked, apparently referencing Lai.

“They’re going independent because they want to get into a war and they figure they have the United States behind them.” He added his reluctance to engage in distant military conflicts.

Wen-Ti Sung, an Atlantic Council fellow, suggested Trump’s concerning Taiwan statements might represent “his transactional rhetoric being turned up to the max.” “What matters more is the substance, which Taiwan is holding its collective breath for.”