Controversial right-wing figure Alex Jones has petitioned the US Supreme Court to temporarily suspend a staggering $1.5 billion defamation judgment against him, which threatens the forced sale of his media company, Infowars. The judgment stems from Jones’ repeated false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. Jones argues that selling Infowars to satirical news site The Onion, backed by the victims’ families, would cause irreparable harm to him and his 30 million followers. The sale was previously rejected in a bankruptcy auction last year. Jones is now seeking to pause the judgment while his appeal is considered, with the Supreme Court expected to review his application privately on Friday. His legal team contends that Jones, as a media defendant, should be protected under the First Amendment, warning that the judgment could set a dangerous precedent for journalists, stifling free speech. Jones’ attorneys also claim the bankruptcy auction was marred by collusion, a claim dismissed by the court. In his application, Jones warned of “irreparable injury” if Infowars is sold to its “ideological nemesis” and dismantled. The Sandy Hook shooting, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults, remains one of the deadliest school massacres in US history. Jones, who has since acknowledged the attack as “100% real,” previously propagated baseless conspiracy theories, accusing victims’ families of being “crisis actors” and claiming the tragedy was staged to restrict gun rights.
分类： politics
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How Trump secured a Gaza breakthrough which eluded Biden
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has announced a landmark agreement to release all remaining hostages held by Hamas, marking a significant step toward a more durable peace in the Gaza region. This achievement, which eluded his predecessor Joe Biden, underscores Trump’s unique diplomatic approach and his strong relationships with both Israel and the Arab world. The deal, announced on 9 September, follows an Israeli air strike in Qatar that initially seemed to derail peace prospects but ultimately became a catalyst for negotiations. The agreement includes plans for Hamas disarmament, Gaza governance, and a partial Israeli withdrawal, though many details remain to be finalized. Trump’s ability to exert unprecedented pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coupled with his rapport with Gulf states, played a pivotal role in securing the deal. The global reaction has been mixed, with some celebrating the ceasefire while others remain cautious about the long-term implications. This breakthrough could become a defining moment of Trump’s second term, potentially reshaping the trajectory of Middle East diplomacy.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James criminally indicted
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on federal charges by a grand jury, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention. The indictment, issued in Alexandria, Virginia, stems from allegations of mortgage fraud, though specific charges remain undisclosed. This comes after the Justice Department previously investigated James for allegedly falsifying bank and property records to secure favorable loan terms. Officials from the Federal Housing Finance Agency accused James of misrepresenting a property in Norfolk, Virginia, as her primary residence in 2023, while she served as New York’s top prosecutor, to obtain a lower interest rate on a loan. Mortgages for primary residences typically offer more advantageous terms. The indictment follows a contentious legal history involving James, who led a high-profile civil fraud investigation against former President Donald Trump in 2023. In that case, Trump was found liable for falsifying records to secure better loan deals, resulting in a $500 million fine, though the penalty was later overturned by an appeals court as excessive. Trump has since publicly called for the prosecution of his political opponents, including James, citing concerns over credibility and reputation. The BBC has reached out to James’ office for comment, and further updates are expected as the story develops.
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Why Taliban minister’s visit to India is so groundbreaking
In a significant diplomatic development, Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India on Thursday for a week-long visit, marking the highest-level engagement between the Taliban and India since the group seized power in 2021. Muttaqi, accompanied by Afghan trade and foreign ministry officials, is set to hold discussions with India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and other officials, focusing on enhancing diplomatic, trade, and economic ties. This visit underscores a pragmatic shift in India’s Afghan policy, as it seeks to deepen engagement with the Taliban-led government in Kabul. The trip is particularly notable given the historically strained relations between India and the Taliban, as well as the deteriorating ties between the Taliban and Pakistan, their traditional ally. Muttaqi’s visit, facilitated by a temporary exemption from UN sanctions, comes amid growing regional realignments. India, which once supported the Western-backed Afghan government ousted by the Taliban, has cautiously re-engaged with the new regime, re-establishing its diplomatic presence and providing humanitarian aid. Analysts view this visit as a strategic move by both sides to advance their interests, with the Taliban seeking legitimacy and India aiming to counterbalance Pakistan and China’s influence in the region. Despite the cautious optimism, the relationship remains tactical, shaped by past conflicts and domestic considerations.
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Trinidad and Tobago secures US permission to negotiate gas deal with neighboring Venezuela
In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago to negotiate a gas deal with Venezuela without facing U.S. sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Department issued an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license on Wednesday, enabling the Caribbean nation to pursue the development of a gas field in Venezuelan waters. This decision follows a formal request made by Trinidad and Tobago in May, as confirmed by Attorney General John Jeremie. The license, valid for six months, sets specific parameters for negotiations, ensuring compliance with U.S. policies toward Venezuela. Jeremie emphasized that the targets outlined by the U.S. are reasonable and achievable, though he declined to disclose further details. The gas project is deemed crucial for Trinidad and Tobago, which is striving to enhance its gas production and address budgetary challenges. The license, however, only covers initial negotiations, with further steps contingent on successful completion of this phase. The approval was secured after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister on September 30, reaffirming U.S. support while ensuring the deal does not significantly benefit the Maduro regime. This marks a reversal from April 2024, when a previous license for the same project was revoked, posing a setback to the country’s energy security. The new license differs in terms from its predecessor, though details remain undisclosed. When questioned about potential engagement with Venezuela, Jeremie remained noncommittal, stating, ‘I am not prepared to go into that at this time.’
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Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the sticking points ahead: expert Q&A
After two years of intense conflict resulting in the deaths of 68,000 Palestinians and over 1,200 Israelis, predominantly civilians, Hamas and the Netanyahu government are poised to sign a Phase 1 ceasefire agreement. This initial step is part of a 20-point plan championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and backed by key Arab powers in the region. Under this agreement, Israel will halt its military operations in Gaza, while Hamas has committed to releasing the remaining 20 Israeli hostages still held in the territory. The deal marks a significant shift from previous ceasefires, as Hamas is releasing all hostages and recoverable bodies in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. This move effectively relinquishes Hamas’s primary leverage against Israeli military actions and the Netanyahu government’s control over aid to Gaza. However, critical elements of a lasting peace—such as the extent of Israel’s military withdrawal, the resumption of aid, and the establishment of governance in Gaza—remain unresolved. The agreement faces potential obstacles, including Israel’s demand for Hamas’s complete disarmament and the expulsion of certain Hamas officials, which Hamas is likely to reject. The composition of an international oversight board for Gaza is also unclear, with Trump declaring himself its chair and no provision for Palestinian representation. Arab states, particularly Qatar and Egypt, played a crucial role in brokering this deal, despite Israel’s recent airstrike in Qatar. The immediate focus is on the survival of Gaza’s civilians, with the pause in Israeli attacks offering a brief respite. However, the long-term recovery of Gaza, devastated by two years of conflict, will require more than just economic development; it will necessitate a sustainable solution for security and welfare. While the Phase 1 agreement is a step forward, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.
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Ecuador’s Noboa faces escalating protests over rise in diesel costs
Ecuador is facing a deepening political crisis as widespread protests over the government’s decision to eliminate diesel subsidies enter their third week. The unrest, led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), has resulted in one fatality, numerous injuries, and over 100 arrests. President Daniel Noboa, who assumed office in May, is grappling with one of the most challenging moments of his presidency as tensions escalate. The government has deployed 5,000 troops to Quito to prevent vandalism and property destruction, following violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The protests, initially concentrated in rural areas, particularly Imbabura province, are now threatening to spread to urban centers, raising fears of further violence. The CONAIE, a powerful Indigenous organization, has rejected government offers of economic handouts, insisting on the restoration of the diesel subsidy and broader policy changes. Critics accuse Noboa of authoritarian tendencies and a lack of willingness to engage in dialogue, while the Indigenous movement is seen as uncompromising in its demands. The situation has drawn international attention, with concerns over the excessive use of force by security forces. Experts warn that without mediation from institutions like the Catholic Church or civil society, the crisis could worsen.
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Colombian President Petro suggests Qatar could mediate US military actions off Venezuela
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested that Qatar could act as a mediator to persuade the United States to halt its military operations in international waters near Venezuela. During a visit to Brussels, Petro emphasized Qatar’s successful track record in mediating tense situations and expressed confidence in its ability to convince the US to cease missile strikes in the Caribbean. These strikes, conducted by the US military, have targeted small boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking, with the Trump administration reporting the destruction of four such vessels. Petro’s proposal follows his earlier claim, made without evidence, that Colombians may have been aboard one of the boats destroyed by US forces. The US has disputed this assertion and urged Petro to retract his statement, but the Colombian leader has refused, citing national data on drug seizures and the nationalities of those apprehended. Meanwhile, US officials have reaffirmed their commitment to Colombia as a strategic partner, despite policy differences. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has consistently denied his country’s involvement in major drug trafficking and has sought international support, including from the Pope, to maintain peace. Petro has criticized the US military actions as disproportionate and called for negotiations to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, citing Colombia’s recent talks with the Clan del Golfo in Qatar as a model for future mediation efforts.
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Belgian police detain 3 over a suspected plot to attack politicians with a drone
Belgian authorities have thwarted a suspected terrorist plot involving a drone carrying explosives, targeting prominent politicians including Prime Minister Bart De Wever. On Thursday, three individuals were detained following coordinated raids in Antwerp, led by an anti-terrorism judge and supported by explosives detection units. Federal prosecutors revealed that an improvised device, steel balls, and a 3D printer—believed to be used for constructing attack components—were discovered during the searches. Investigators indicated that the suspects intended to build a drone to deliver a payload, potentially inspired by jihadist ideologies. While the politicians targeted were not explicitly named, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the plot’s focus on Prime Minister De Wever, describing the incident as ‘deeply shocking.’ The suspects, described as young adults born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were questioned, with two set to appear before a judge and the third released. This incident underscores Belgium’s ongoing struggle with terrorism, particularly the misuse of drones, as highlighted by recent suspicious drone activity near a military base. The Belgian justice system, already strained by a surge in terrorism investigations and drug-related crime, has called for increased government support to bolster security measures. The 2016 Brussels bombings, which claimed 32 lives, remain a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to terrorist threats.
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Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters clash with police as they call for president to step down
Antananarivo, Madagascar witnessed intense clashes on Thursday as approximately 1,000 demonstrators, predominantly masked, confronted police forces in the capital. The unrest, now in its third week, marks the most significant upheaval the Indian Ocean island nation has seen in years. Authorities deployed armored vehicles and utilized tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, though the extent of injuries remains unclear. The protests, spearheaded by the group ‘Gen Z Madagascar,’ have reportedly resulted in 22 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to the United Nations—a claim contested by the government. Initially triggered by utility disruptions, the demonstrations have broadened to address grievances over alleged corruption and nepotism. In response, President Andry Rajoelina dismissed his entire Cabinet, a move that failed to quell the unrest. Protesters have now escalated their demands, calling for Rajoelina’s resignation and rejecting his invitation for dialogue. The clashes, concentrated in the Anosy and Mahamasina districts, saw demonstrators block streets with rocks and burning tires. Authorities have imposed vehicle bans in key areas, including Democracy Square in Ambohijatovo, as police maintain vigilance. Madagascar, a nation of 31 million grappling with severe poverty and a history of political instability since its 1960 independence from France, has seen multiple leaders ousted through uprisings. Rajoelina, elected in 2018 and reelected in 2023 amid opposition boycotts, now faces a protest movement inspired by recent youth-led uprisings in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The movement, symbolized by a pirate skull and crossbones emblem, has mobilized online, though reports of looting during demonstrations have emerged.