Former U.S. President Donald Trump has granted federal pardons to his ex-personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and several other allies accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Among those pardoned are Mark Meadows, Trump’s former White House chief of staff, and a group of so-called false electors who allegedly sought to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. The pardons, described as ‘full, complete, and unconditional,’ were announced by Justice Department attorney Ed Martin on social media platform X. While the move is largely symbolic—since the charges were state-level and pardons only apply to federal crimes—Trump framed it as a step toward ‘national reconciliation.’ White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the prosecutions as ‘communist tactics,’ likening them to practices in Venezuela. Notably, the pardons do not extend to Trump himself, who has long claimed the authority to self-pardon but faces legal uncertainties. Giuliani, who declared bankruptcy after being held liable for $148 million in defamation cases, was disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C. Other pardoned figures include former Trump lawyers Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, John Eastman, and Kenneth Chesebro, all of whom had unsuccessfully challenged the 2020 election results. Powell’s claims of vote-switching and ‘communist money’ influencing the election were widely discredited. This latest round of clemency follows Trump’s earlier pardons of Capitol riot participants and the dismissal of several election-related cases against his allies in states like Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan. The Electoral College, comprising 538 members, remains the official body that elects U.S. presidents based on state-by-state results.
作者： admin
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Thailand court orders extradition to China of alleged online gambling kingpin
In a significant legal development, Thailand’s appeals court has greenlit the extradition of She Zhijiang, a Chinese national accused of orchestrating one of the largest transnational cybercrime networks in Asia. The ruling, issued on Monday, mandates that She be transferred to China within 90 days. She, who was arrested in Bangkok in August 2022 on a 2014 warrant from Chinese authorities, faces allegations of operating over 200 illegal online gambling platforms and being linked to illicit gambling networks and casinos in Myanmar. His legal team’s challenge to the constitutionality of Thailand’s extradition law was dismissed last month, paving the way for this decision. She’s prominence in the region stems from his involvement in the Yatai New City project in Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko city, a hub notorious for cyber scams and human trafficking. A 2024 UN report highlighted his extensive business portfolio across Southeast Asia, spanning real estate, construction, entertainment, and blockchain technology. The U.S. and British governments have also imposed sanctions on She for his alleged criminal activities. This case underscores the growing challenge of cybercrime in Southeast Asia, where weak law enforcement has allowed such operations to thrive, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar.
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BRIDGE Alliance launched to shape future-ready content ecosystem
The UAE has unveiled the BRIDGE Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity, diversity, and innovation in the global media, content, and entertainment sectors. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the Alliance brings together an influential board of former heads of state, global leaders, policymakers, and CEOs from diverse industries, united by a shared vision to create a collaborative and future-ready content ecosystem. The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the BRIDGE Alliance Board of Directors, presided over by Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, marking the formal establishment of the organization’s leadership and strategic direction. Rooted in the UAE’s legacy as a cultural and economic crossroads, the BRIDGE Alliance is designed to build a connected, resilient, and ethical global media framework. The Board of Directors, comprising distinguished figures such as Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Macky Sall, and Jessica Sibley, will provide strategic oversight and policy direction. The Alliance’s first major initiative, the BRIDGE Summit 2025, will take place from December 8 to 10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event will feature 400 global speakers, 300 exhibitors, and over 60,000 participants across seven content tracks, aiming to turn dialogue into action and shape new partnerships, policies, and investments. Maryam bin Fahad, Managing Director of BRIDGE Alliance, emphasized that every aspect of the Summit has been strategically designed to advance collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. From its UAE headquarters, the BRIDGE Alliance aspires to become a global hub for driving innovation, informing policy, and accelerating collaboration across media, content, and entertainment sectors, setting the agenda for responsible media growth worldwide.
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Indonesia grants national hero status to late strongman Suharto
Indonesia has posthumously awarded the title of national hero to former President Suharto, a controversial figure whose three-decade rule was marked by allegations of human rights abuses, corruption, and nepotism. The ceremony, presided over by current President Prabowo Subianto—Suharto’s former son-in-law—took place on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the state palace in Jakarta. Suharto, who died in 2008, was recognized for his role in Indonesia’s independence movement and his contributions to the nation’s development. However, the decision has sparked widespread criticism from pro-democracy activists and families of victims who suffered under his authoritarian regime. Suharto’s daughter, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana, accepted the award on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude to Prabowo for the honor. The move has raised concerns about historical revisionism and the potential resurgence of authoritarianism in Indonesia, particularly given Prabowo’s ties to Suharto and his own controversial past. Critics argue that the award whitewashes Suharto’s legacy, including his involvement in the 1965 mass killings and the invasion of East Timor in 1975. Despite the backlash, the government defended the decision, stating that Suharto met the criteria for the title. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over Suharto’s complex legacy and its implications for Indonesia’s democratic future.
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Court rules that suspect in Madeleine McCann disappearance can leave Germany
A German court has lifted the residency requirement for Christian Brückner, a man under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann. Brückner, who was released in mid-September after serving a sentence for the 2019 rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal, had been subject to strict conditions, including wearing an electronic ankle monitor and reporting regularly to probation services. The Hildesheim court initially mandated that he remain resident in Germany for five years. However, the higher state court in Celle overturned this stipulation on Monday, citing interference with EU citizens’ freedom of movement within the 27-nation bloc. The court emphasized that while temporary travel bans or restrictions to specific regions could still be imposed, such decisions would need to be made by the lower court in Hildesheim. German prosecutors had previously identified Brückner as a suspect in McCann’s disappearance in June 2020, alleging they believed the girl was dead. Despite extensive searches in Portugal, where Brückner spent many years, no charges have been filed in the case. His lawyer, Friedrich Fülscher, argued that sufficient evidence for charges has been lacking.
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Car explodes near historic fort in India’s capital, killing at least 8 people, police say
A devastating car explosion occurred near the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least eight lives and leaving several others injured. The blast, which took place close to one of the gates of the Red Fort metro station, also ignited a fire that caused significant damage to nearby parked vehicles. Emergency services, including multiple fire engines, swiftly responded to the scene to contain the blaze and assist the victims. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, according to Sanjay Tyagi, a spokesperson for the New Delhi police. The Red Fort, a historic imperial palace and a prominent tourist destination, was the backdrop of the incident. Eyewitness accounts described a deafening noise followed by flames engulfing vehicles, as reported by local media. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
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Pakistan captain Afridi hopes to carry winning momentum in ODI series against Sri Lanka
Pakistan is set to face Sri Lanka in a high-stakes three-match ODI series starting Tuesday at Rawalpindi, with the home team looking to build on its recent 2-1 victory over South Africa. Shaheen Shah Afridi, leading Pakistan for the first time as ODI captain, emphasized the importance of maintaining the winning momentum and fostering team consistency. \”Our focus is to carry that winning momentum forward and keep improving in every department,\” Afridi stated at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, the venue for all three matches.
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Daughter of ex-South Africa president Zuma faces trial over deadly riots. Here’s what to know
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, appeared in court on Monday to face charges of incitement to cause terrorism, linked to the deadly July 2021 riots that claimed over 350 lives. The unrest, which erupted after Zuma’s imprisonment for defying a court order to testify in a corruption inquiry, marked the deadliest violence in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. Zuma-Sambudla, now a member of parliament for the MK Party founded by her father, is the most prominent among over 60 individuals charged in connection with the riots. She is accused of inciting violence through social media posts made before and during the unrest, to which she has pleaded not guilty. The riots, which began in KwaZulu-Natal and spread to Gauteng, saw widespread looting, property destruction, and an estimated $2 billion in damages. Authorities described the violence as an attempted insurrection by Zuma’s supporters, while critics lambasted law enforcement for their unpreparedness. Zuma-Sambudla’s social media activity, including a post stating ‘We see you’ in response to rioters, is central to the case. A government-backed probe found that while Zuma’s arrest triggered the riots, underlying frustrations over poverty during COVID-19 lockdowns also fueled the chaos. Jacob Zuma, who served only two months of an 18-month sentence, was released as part of a broader decision affecting nonviolent offenders.
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Venice’s storied La Fenice opera house protests appointment of musical director with ties to Meloni
Venice’s iconic La Fenice opera house is at the center of a heated dispute following the controversial appointment of Beatrice Venezi, a 35-year-old conductor with political ties to Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The decision, made by La Fenice’s general manager Nicola Colabianchi, has sparked protests from the theater’s orchestra and chorus, who argue that Venezi lacks the necessary experience and that her selection process bypassed their input. Colabianchi defends the choice, citing Venezi’s youth, dynamism, and ability to attract media attention as assets that will rejuvenate the historic theater. However, critics question her qualifications, pointing to the legacy of renowned conductors like Arturo Toscanini and Claudio Abbado who have led La Fenice in the past. The controversy has escalated, with workers striking, unions demanding Colabianchi’s resignation, and protests planned in solidarity with other Italian opera houses. Venezi, who has canceled public appearances to avoid further controversy, has yet to address the dispute directly. The unions emphasize that their objections are not based on Venezi’s age, gender, or political affiliations but on the lack of consultation with the musicians she is expected to lead. Colabianchi has apologized for the oversight but remains steadfast in his decision, insisting that Venezi’s talent and potential justify her appointment. The standoff continues, casting a shadow over La Fenice’s future as it navigates this contentious chapter.
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Guiyang deputy mayor under investigation for discipline violations
Gao Yang, the deputy mayor of Guiyang in Guizhou province, is currently under investigation for suspected severe breaches of Party discipline and national laws, as disclosed by provincial disciplinary authorities on Monday. The Guizhou Discipline Inspection Commission and Commission of Supervision made the announcement on their official website, noting that Gao had voluntarily surrendered herself. However, no additional specifics regarding the case were provided. Gao, who has a long history of service in Guizhou, was appointed deputy mayor of Guiyang in 2023. In this role, she oversaw natural resources management, urban and rural construction, and planning. The investigation highlights the ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to enforce strict disciplinary measures within the Party and government, ensuring accountability and integrity among public officials.