Vladimir Plahotniuc, a prominent Moldovan oligarch and former political figure, has been extradited from Greece to Moldova, facing allegations of involvement in a $1 billion bank fraud case. The 59-year-old tycoon, who fled Moldova in 2019 after his Democratic Party lost power, was escorted by masked Moldovan police and Interpol officials upon his arrival at Chisinau airport on Thursday morning. Plahotniuc, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, was swiftly transported to a detention center in the capital. His extradition occurs just days before Moldova’s pivotal parliamentary elections on September 28, which will determine the country’s future alignment—either toward European integration or a return to Russian influence. Moldovan President Maia Sandu, a staunch pro-European leader, has warned of Russia’s attempts to destabilize the nation through violence and disinformation. In a social media post, Sandu emphasized the importance of perseverance in the fight for justice, stating that even seemingly invincible criminals can be held accountable. Plahotniuc’s lawyer, Lucian Rogac, criticized the extradition as a politically motivated spectacle orchestrated by Sandu’s government. The oligarch is a key suspect in the 2014 “theft of the century,” where $1 billion—equivalent to over 10% of Moldova’s GDP—was siphoned from three banks. The case has long symbolized the country’s struggle with corruption and oligarchic influence. Meanwhile, Sandu has accused Russia of pouring significant resources into Moldova to undermine its democratic processes. Recent investigations by the BBC have exposed a disinformation network linked to Moscow and fugitive Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, aimed at destabilizing the government ahead of the elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the UN General Assembly, highlighted the broader geopolitical stakes, warning that Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova to Russian influence. Pro-Russian parties in Moldova have accused Sandu’s government of intimidation and insufficient anti-corruption efforts, while Russia’s SVR intelligence service has baselessly claimed that the EU plans to falsify election results and deploy troops. Moldova, which declared independence in 1991, remains a battleground for geopolitical influence, with its Russian-speaking population and the Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transnistria adding to the complexity.
分类： politics
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White House says to prep for mass firings if government shuts down
The White House has issued a stark warning to federal agencies, urging them to prepare for mass firings if Congress fails to avert a government shutdown next week. According to a memo obtained by US media, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed agencies to draft ‘reduction in force’ plans for programs that lack alternative funding and do not align with President Trump’s priorities. The memo emphasizes that these firings would be permanent, targeting federal programs, projects, and activities that cannot secure alternative financial support. The warning follows President Trump’s refusal to meet with Democratic leaders on Tuesday, who are pushing for healthcare funding as part of ongoing budget negotiations. The memo states, ‘We remain hopeful that Democrats in Congress will not trigger a shutdown and the steps outlined above will not be necessary.’ A government shutdown occurs if Congress and the President fail to reach a budget agreement by the start of the fiscal year on October 1, halting all non-essential discretionary functions. Last week, House Republicans, with the support of one Democrat, passed a short-term funding measure to keep the government operational until November 20. However, Senate Democrats blocked the bill, proposing their own plan to restore healthcare funding after Trump’s July policy bill, dubbed the ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill,’ significantly cut Medicaid, a program vital to millions of disabled and low-income Americans. On Tuesday, Trump canceled a meeting with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, labeling their demands as ‘unserious and ridiculous.’ In response to the memo, Democrats accused the White House of employing intimidation tactics. Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, stated, ‘Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one — not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government.’
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Nicolas Sarkozy found guilty of criminal conspiracy in Libya case
In a landmark legal ruling, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been convicted of criminal conspiracy in a high-profile case involving illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The Paris criminal court, however, acquitted Sarkozy of additional charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing. The case, which has spanned over a decade, centers on allegations that Sarkozy accepted millions of euros from Gaddafi to finance his 2007 presidential campaign. In return, Sarkozy allegedly promised to help Gaddafi improve his tarnished reputation in Western nations. Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied the accusations, claiming the case is politically motivated. The investigation began in 2013 after Saif al-Islam, Gaddafi’s son, accused Sarkozy of misusing Libyan funds. Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine later claimed to possess evidence of Sarkozy’s campaign being heavily financed by Tripoli, with payments continuing even after his election. Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was also implicated in the case last year, facing charges of hiding evidence and associating with wrongdoers, which she denies. This verdict adds to Sarkozy’s legal troubles, which include a 2021 conviction for attempting to bribe a judge and a 2024 ruling for overspending on his 2012 re-election campaign. Despite these setbacks, Sarkozy has managed to avoid significant jail time, with recent court rulings allowing him to serve sentences at home.
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India imposes curfew in Ladakh after statehood protests turn violent
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, violent clashes erupted in Leh, the capital of India’s Himalayan region of Ladakh, leaving at least four dead and dozens injured. The unrest, which occurred on Wednesday, saw protesters set fire to a local office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a security vehicle, prompting Indian security forces to impose a curfew in the area. The protests, led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, are part of a long-standing demand for statehood and greater autonomy for Ladakh, a region that lost its semi-autonomous status in 2019 when the BJP government reorganized the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Leh region, predominantly Buddhist, has been advocating for separate statehood, while the Muslim-majority Kargil district seeks integration with Indian-administered Kashmir. Since 2019, both communities have united in their demand for restored statehood and job quotas. The government has accused Wangchuk of inciting violence, a claim he vehemently denies, stating that the unrest stems from years of frustration among unemployed youth. Wangchuk, a prominent activist and engineer known for his work on education and climate change, called off his hunger strike on Wednesday and appealed for calm, emphasizing that violence undermines their cause. The federal government has initiated an investigation into the violence and plans further talks with local leaders, though tensions remain high as the region grapples with its political future.
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The professor who beat fraud allegations to become Malawi’s president…again
In a stunning political resurgence, Peter Mutharika, Malawi’s former president, has reclaimed the nation’s highest office, marking a dramatic return to power just five years after being ousted by a court ruling. Mutharika, who previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, secured victory in last week’s general election, defeating his long-time rival, President Lazarus Chakwera. His campaign centered on promises to restore economic stability, citing Malawi’s severe downturn under Chakwera’s leadership. However, Mutharika’s own tenure was marred by corruption allegations and governance challenges, raising questions about his ability to lead effectively at 85 years old. Born in 1940 in Thyolo, Mutharika’s journey from academia to politics began in 2004 when his brother, Bingu, became president. Despite controversies, including a treason charge in 2012, Mutharika’s supporters credit his first presidency with infrastructure development and reduced inflation. As he steps back into the presidential role, Malawians await tangible improvements amidst soaring inflation and widespread poverty.
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Colombia’s president calls US attacks on alleged drug boats ‘act of tyranny’
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has strongly criticized the United States for its recent airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea, labeling them as an ‘act of tyranny.’ In an interview with the BBC, Petro called for criminal proceedings against US officials if investigations confirm that Colombians were killed in the attacks. The airstrikes, which began this month and have reportedly claimed 17 lives, were defended by President Donald Trump as necessary measures to curb the flow of fentanyl and other illegal narcotics into the US. However, legal experts and lawmakers have raised concerns about potential violations of international human rights laws. Petro questioned the proportionality of the force used, stating, ‘Why launch a missile if you could simply stop the boat and arrest the crew? That’s what one would call murder.’ He emphasized that there should be ‘zero deaths’ in operations targeting drug-smuggling speedboats, noting Colombia’s history of successful maritime cocaine seizures without fatalities. The strikes, primarily focused on Venezuela, have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and UN experts, who describe them as extrajudicial executions. The White House responded by asserting Trump’s commitment to using all available power to combat drug trafficking. Petro also accused the Trump administration of humiliating his people and vowed that South American nations would not ‘bow down to the king.’ This latest clash follows Trump’s designation of several Latin American drug-trafficking organizations as terrorist entities and his deployment of additional US military forces to the southern Caribbean. Petro, who has a contentious history with Trump, argued that it is the US president’s foreign policies that are isolating the United States.
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Trump demands inquiry over UN ‘triple sabotage’ after escalator and teleprompter mishaps
During his visit to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump encountered a series of unexpected incidents that he labeled as “triple sabotage.” In a social media post, Trump detailed three specific issues: an escalator abruptly stopping as he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on it, a malfunctioning teleprompter during his speech, and audio problems in the auditorium. Trump called for an immediate investigation into these events, which he described as “sinister” and not coincidental. He also demanded the arrest of those responsible for the escalator incident, referencing a Times article that mentioned UN workers joking about turning off the escalators. Trump’s videographer was suggested to have inadvertently triggered the escalator’s safety mechanism, while the teleprompter was reportedly operated by the White House delegation. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz supported Trump’s call for an investigation, stating that such incidents were “unacceptable” and a threat to the nation’s security and dignity. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also expressed concerns, suggesting that the escalator might have been deliberately stopped. A UN official clarified that the sound system was designed for translated speeches through earpieces, addressing Trump’s complaint about the audio issues. Despite the technical difficulties, Trump’s speech proceeded, though he criticized the teleprompter operator, stating they were “in big trouble.”
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‘Anti-ICE’ message on ammunition at Dallas shooting that killed immigration detainee
A deadly shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, has left one detainee dead and two others critically injured, according to officials. The incident occurred when a rooftop sniper opened fire indiscriminately at the facility and a nearby unmarked van before taking his own life. No law enforcement officers were harmed in the attack. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that unused ammunition recovered from the scene bore the phrase ‘ANTI-ICE,’ suggesting an ideological motive behind the assault. This marks the latest in a series of attacks on ICE facilities amid heightened political tensions over immigration enforcement. The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, had a history of cannabis-related charges and was registered as an independent voter. Authorities confirmed he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence, with special agent Joe Rothrock noting that the attack reflects a broader trend of politically motivated violence against ICE. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the building targeted was an ICE field office used for short-term processing, not a detention facility. Acting ICE director Todd Lyons emphasized the potential for greater casualties, given the time and location of the shooting. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from both Democratic and Republican leaders, with Texas Senator Ted Cruz urging an end to divisive rhetoric. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, accused ‘Radical Left Democrats’ of demonizing law enforcement and reiterated his commitment to combating domestic terrorism. The incident underscores the escalating political polarization surrounding immigration policy in the United States.
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‘There’s no way we can afford $100,000’: Small firms scramble over H-1B visa fees
The recent executive order signed by former US President Donald Trump, introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, has sent ripples across various sectors reliant on skilled foreign workers. The H-1B programme, a cornerstone for industries ranging from technology to healthcare, now faces significant challenges, particularly for startups and smaller firms unable to absorb the hefty cost.
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Luigi Mangione’s lawyers claim Trump violated right to fair trial
The legal team representing Luigi Mangione, the individual accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has asserted that former President Donald Trump compromised Mangione’s right to a fair trial. In a recent court filing, Mangione’s attorneys highlighted comments made by Trump during a Fox News interview, as well as social media posts by Department of Justice (DoJ) employees, which they argue implied Mangione’s guilt. US District Judge Margaret Garnett responded by instructing DoJ officials to refrain from sharing remarks that could influence the trial’s fairness, cautioning that further violations could lead to sanctions. Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murdering Thompson. During the Fox News interview, Trump described Mangione as a ‘pure assassin,’ stating, ‘He shot someone in the back as clear as you’re looking at me or I’m looking at you.’ Mangione’s lawyers also contested a White House statement that linked him to ‘left-wing extremist groups,’ citing an interview with Stephen Miller, the White House’s deputy chief of staff for policy, who referred to Mangione as a ‘self-described so-called anti-fascist.’ They argued that these statements are part of a broader political narrative that has no place in a criminal case. Thompson was fatally shot in December 2024 while entering a Manhattan hotel where his company was hosting an investors’ meeting. Five days later, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania and charged with murder. He faces federal charges of stalking, firearms offenses, and murder through the use of a firearm, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Mangione’s lawyers have requested the removal of the death penalty, claiming that Trump’s statements violate his Fifth and Eighth Amendment rights. His next hearing is scheduled for December 5. The BBC has reached out to the White House and DoJ for comment.