分类： society

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The perpetrator of New Zealand’s deadliest mass shooting appeared before the Court of Appeal on Monday seeking to overturn his guilty pleas and life sentence, claiming severe prison conditions rendered him mentally unfit during his 2020 admission of guilt.

Brenton Tarrant, the Australian white supremacist who murdered 51 Muslim worshippers in Christchurch’s 2019 mosque attacks, testified via video link from prison that solitary confinement and harsh detention circumstances created what he described as ‘nervous exhaustion’ and identity confusion. The 35-year-old argued this mental state invalidated his reasoned decision to plead guilty to terrorism, murder, and attempted murder charges.

A three-judge panel will hear five days of evidence regarding Tarrant’s competency at the time of his plea. If successful, the case would return to trial—a scenario avoided when Tarrant unexpectedly admitted guilt weeks before his scheduled court date. The hearing also addresses his unprecedented life imprisonment without parole, New Zealand’s most severe sentencing outcome.

The prosecution challenged Tarrant’s assertions, with Crown lawyer Barnaby Hawes noting the shooter had alternative legal options including trial postponement requests or mounting a defense. Medical and prison records showed no documented evidence of serious mental illness, though Tarrant claimed he deliberately concealed symptoms to maintain a ‘confident, assured’ facade consistent with his extremist ideology.

Security protocols severely restricted attendance, permitting only affected families, survivors, and limited media. Tarrant, appearing with shaved head and glasses in a white prison room, testified about his deteriorated mental state—marking his first substantive public statements since livestreaming the horrific attack.

The appeal filing arrived two years past New Zealand’s standard 20-day deadline, which Tarrant attributed to restricted information access. The court’s decision will be delivered subsequently, with potential separate proceedings regarding his sentence appeal if the plea challenge fails.

The United Arab Emirates has formally established comprehensive guidelines for religious charitable contributions during Ramadan 2026 (1447 Hijri), bringing clarity and standardization to Islamic financial obligations. The UAE Council for Islamic Affairs unveiled the framework on February 8, 2026, following extensive market research conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Under the newly announced provisions, Zakat Al Fitr—the obligatory charity marking the end of Ramadan—has been set at 2.5 kilograms of rice or its monetary equivalent of 25 dirhams per person. For those unable to fast due to valid reasons, the compensatory Fidyah payment has been established at 3.25 kilograms of barley or 20 dirhams per beneficiary daily.

The Council specified distinct rates for various religious circumstances: Fidyah for prohibited acts during Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages is fixed at 120 dirhams, distributed among six beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Kaffarah (atonement) for invalidated fasting or broken vows requires 1,200 dirhams per day, allocated to 60 beneficiaries at 20 dirhams each. For violated oaths, the Kaffarah amounts to 200 dirhams distributed to ten recipients.

The comprehensive market study involved thorough price surveys of staple foods across all emirates, consultations with suppliers, and field visits to ensure equitable calculations for both donors and beneficiaries. This standardization initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and fairness in charitable distribution mechanisms.

Regarding temporal guidelines, the Council recommends distributing Zakat Al Fitr after the Fajr prayer on Eid day to maximize benefit for needy communities during celebrations. While early payments are permissible to avoid organizational congestion, contributions made after sunset are considered make-up payments rather than standard obligations.

The Council explicitly endorsed monetary contributions as religiously valid, citing historical precedents where Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) approved cash substitutes for staple foods. This recognition accommodates modern practicalities while maintaining religious integrity.

Authorized collection channels include the Zakat Fund under the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments, the Emirates Red Crescent, and certified charitable organizations. The Council concluded with prayers for a blessed Ramadan and continued prosperity for the UAE nation.

A tragic structural failure at an amusement ride in India’s Haryana state has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, prompting immediate law enforcement response and official investigations. The incident occurred during the popular Surajkund Mela fair in Faridabad, where a joyride installation unexpectedly collapsed, creating a scene of chaos and emergency response.

Law enforcement authorities have taken two individuals into custody following the catastrophic event. The detained persons have been identified as Mohammed Shakir and Nitesh, both facing preliminary charges related to the incident. Faridabad Police have established a specialized investigative team headed by prominent law enforcement officials to conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to the structural failure.

The investigative unit comprises ACP Crime Varun Dahiya, the office in charge of Crime branch, alongside NIT SI Sheeshpal and SI Sanjay. This team will operate under the direct supervision of DCP Crime Mukesh Malhotra, ensuring comprehensive scrutiny of safety protocols, maintenance records, and operational procedures.

Tragically, a Station House Officer lost his life during rescue operations. The police officer, whose identity hasn’t been fully disclosed, noticed the ride tilting abnormally and immediately moved to evacuate attendees. During his rescue efforts, the collapsing structure struck him in the facial and cranial areas, causing fatal injuries. Medical personnel declared him deceased upon arrival at the emergency medical facility.

Thirteen additional victims sustained various injuries and were transported via emergency medical services to nearby healthcare facilities. Faridabad authorities confirm that all injured persons are currently receiving medical treatment, with some requiring extensive care.

Haryana’s Chief Minister has publicly expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer and has directed state authorities to ensure comprehensive medical care for all injured individuals. The state administration has pledged full support to the investigation and promised appropriate action based on the findings.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has issued comprehensive guidelines for private educational institutions across the emirate regarding academic operations during the upcoming Ramadan period. According to reports from Emarat Al Youm, schools have been granted operational flexibility while being required to ensure that daily instructional hours do not exceed six hours throughout the holy month.

The newly implemented framework requires educational institutions to carefully consider the varying needs across different educational stages, mandating a balanced approach that respects both academic requirements and the spiritual significance of Ramadan. Official circulars distributed to school administrations specify that scheduling must align with approved curricular frameworks and academic calendars while accommodating the unique circumstances of the holy month.

This policy initiative aims to maintain educational continuity without compromising quality or effectiveness. The approach emphasizes equitable treatment and organizational adaptability while addressing both the academic and psychological needs of students at all educational levels. SPEA has particularly highlighted the importance of quality-of-life considerations, urging schools to account for the circumstances of students, their families, and the broader educational community.

The authority’s guidelines reflect the humanitarian and social values characteristic of Ramadan, extending warm greetings to the educational community while reaffirming commitment to balancing academic rigor with student and family wellbeing. SPEA has expressed appreciation for the cooperation of school administrations in implementing these guidelines, which collectively contribute to creating a supportive and balanced learning environment throughout the holy month.

Delhi authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the perplexing discovery of three deceased individuals inside a stationary vehicle on the Peeragarhi flyover in outer Delhi. The incident, reported on Sunday afternoon, has presented investigators with a complex mystery lacking obvious signs of violence or criminal activity.

According to official statements, emergency services responded to a routine call regarding a suspicious abandoned vehicle at approximately 3:50 PM. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two men and one woman—identified as Randhir (76), Naresh Singh (47), and Laxmi Devi (40)—motionless within the SUV. Notably, one of the victims was the registered owner of the vehicle.

Preliminary forensic examination revealed no visible external injuries, indications of struggle, or evidence of forced entry into the vehicle. Investigators confirmed that personal valuables within the car remained undisturbed, eliminating robbery as an apparent motive. The absence of these conventional crime indicators has led authorities to consider alternative explanations, with poisoning emerging as a primary theory.

Senior police officials described the investigation as ongoing and evolving, with forensic teams meticulously collecting evidence from both the vehicle and the surrounding area. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being analyzed to reconstruct the victims’ final movements and establish a timeline of events preceding their discovery.

The bodies have been transferred to a medical facility for post-mortem examinations, which investigators consider crucial for determining the exact cause of death. While preliminary findings suggest possible self-harm through poisoning, police officials emphasize they have not ruled out other possibilities and are maintaining an open investigative approach until conclusive evidence emerges.

A severe traffic accident in Oman’s North Al Batinah Governorate resulted in three fatalities and left three others injured with varying degrees of severity. The tragic multi-vehicle collision occurred in the Luya Governorate, prompting immediate emergency response from Omani authorities.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority of Oman released visual documentation of the incident on Sunday, showcasing the extensive rescue operations undertaken at the crash site. Emergency teams employed specialized equipment to extract trapped individuals from severely damaged vehicles, with responders providing critical on-site medical assistance before transporting the wounded to healthcare facilities.

According to official reports, the injured victims sustained conditions ranging from moderate to critical, requiring subsequent medical treatment at designated hospitals. While authorities confirmed the basic details of the accident, further specifics regarding the circumstances leading to the collision remain undisclosed at this time.

This incident has reignited concerns about road safety measures in the region. Omani traffic authorities consistently emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and maintaining heightened awareness while driving to prevent such catastrophic events. The tragedy follows previous similar incidents in the country, highlighting ongoing challenges with road safety and accident prevention.

Valeria Wasserman, spouse of renowned linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky, has publicly characterized their association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as falling victim to a calculated ‘Trojan horse’ strategy. This statement emerges amidst the release of court documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, which detail communications between the 97-year-old intellectual and the disgraced financier.

The disclosed correspondence reveals that in February 2019, Professor Chomsky provided Epstein with counsel on managing media scrutiny, advising him to ‘ignore’ the criticism surrounding his treatment in press reports. Chomsky notably characterized the climate surrounding abuse allegations as ‘hysteria,’ suggesting that questioning charges had become viewed as ‘a crime worse than murder.’

Ms. Wasserman contextualized these communications by explaining that their introduction to Epstein occurred during a 2015 academic event, at which time his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor remained largely unknown to the general public, including themselves. Epstein reportedly presented himself as a scientific philanthropist and financial expert, thereby gaining Chomsky’s professional attention.

The academic’s wife detailed how Epstein ‘began to encircle Noam’ through gifts and orchestrated discussions aligned with his intellectual interests. She expressed profound regret that they failed to recognize this as a strategic effort to ensnare them and potentially undermine Chomsky’s longstanding advocacy work.

While acknowledging social interactions including lunches at Epstein’s ranch, dinners at his Manhattan townhouse, and use of his New York apartment during professional visits, Wasserman emphatically stated they never visited Epstein’s Caribbean island and witnessed no inappropriate behavior or presence of minors during their encounters.

These disclosures coincide with Wasserman’s confirmation that Professor Chomsky continues to confront significant health challenges following a devastating stroke in June 2023, leaving him under constant medical care and unable to engage in public discourse.

In conclusion, Wasserman unequivocally stated: ‘Noam and I recognize the gravity of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and the profound suffering of his victims,’ expressing ‘unrestricted solidarity’ while maintaining that their interactions were predicated on Epstein’s deliberately constructed false narrative.

Mumbai-based educator Rouble Nagi received a hero’s welcome upon returning home after being awarded the prestigious $1-million Gems Education Global Teacher Prize in Dubai. The emotional airport scene featured students showering Nagi with flower garlands and roses, with one young girl kneeling to present a rose—a gesture met with an immediate warm embrace from the honored teacher.

The award was presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in recognition of Nagi’s groundbreaking work in making education accessible to underprivileged children. Following the ceremony, Nagi posed with her award before the Burj Khalifa, drawing parallels between the iconic structure’s stature and the resilience of educators worldwide. “The Burj stands tall and speaks for itself, just like all teachers stand tall for their belief in education and their students,” she remarked, describing the skyscraper as a “piece of art.”

Nagi’s innovative approach addresses educational disparities through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), which has established over 800 learning centers across India’s slums and villages. Born from her recognition of poverty’s cyclical impact on education access, her methodology employs low-cost, art-based instruction using walls as canvases and teaching boards to impart numeracy, literacy, and life skills.

Her 24-year journey has focused on breaking the vicious cycle where financial constraints deny children quality education, thereby limiting future opportunities. Through structured learning programs, Nagi has enabled thousands of previously unschooled children to transition into mainstream education systems.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Nagi dedicated the award to her students, family, and country, stating: “It has been my dream to see every child in India in school. This award recognizes 24 years of constant, consistent effort—going into the remotest areas of India, into the slums, teaching children and learning from them.”

In a significant move to advance social development through institutional collaboration, Saudi Arabia’s National Center for the Non-Profit Sector Development hosted H.E. Mr. Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development, marking a pivotal moment in international knowledge exchange. The high-level meeting focused on sharing Saudi Arabia’s transformative experience in creating a robust regulatory framework for non-profit organizations, particularly under the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 that positions the sector as a cornerstone of sustainable social progress.

The Singaporean delegation received comprehensive briefings on the Kingdom’s structural and legislative reforms that have catalyzed remarkable growth in non-profit organizations. These presentations detailed performance metrics, governance models, and specialized regulatory frameworks—especially in fundraising governance—designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and strengthen both public and international confidence in the sector.

Critical discussions centered on establishment mechanisms for non-profit entities within Saudi Arabia, examining the sector’s rapid numerical expansion and its increasingly substantial contributions to the national economy. The dialogue emphasized innovative cross-government coordination models that support long-term sustainability and measurable impact across social development initiatives.

The meeting also highlighted the International Non-Profit Sector Forum as a premier global platform for dialogue and partnership building. Saudi officials shared insights from the Forum’s inaugural edition and outlined ambitious future plans to connect international experiences while advancing best practices and policy development worldwide.

Existing collaborations between the National Center and Singaporean institutions, including the Asian Philanthropy Network, were evaluated alongside potential future partnerships with Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. These cooperative efforts aim to develop joint programs and facilitate expertise exchange in community empowerment and social development strategies.

This diplomatic engagement reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic initiative to expand international partnerships within the non-profit domain, leverage global excellence standards, and enhance the sector’s role as a driver of sustainable social impact at regional and international levels.