Subramanyam ‘Subu’ Vedam, who spent 43 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was exonerated earlier this month after new evidence emerged. However, his newfound freedom was short-lived as he was immediately detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which seeks to deport him to India—a country he left as an infant. Vedam’s legal team is now battling the deportation order, while his family fights to secure his permanent release. His sister, Saraswathi Vedam, described the situation as ‘very different,’ noting that her brother has transitioned from a familiar prison environment to a crowded detention facility where his history of good behavior is unrecognized. Vedam, who maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, was convicted in the 1980s for the murder of his former roommate, Tom Kinser, and a subsequent drug offense. Despite his exoneration for the murder, his drug conviction remains, providing ICE with grounds for deportation. Vedam’s family emphasizes his deep ties to the U.S., where he has lived since infancy, and his lack of connections to India. His lawyer, Ava Benach, argued that deporting him would compound the injustice he has already endured. The family hopes his decades of good behavior, educational achievements, and community service will influence the immigration court’s decision.
分类： society
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Dubai’s Global Village: Dh120 premium parking, automatic payment via Salik
Dubai’s Global Village, one of the city’s most renowned tourist destinations, has unveiled a cutting-edge smart parking system in collaboration with Salik x Parkonic. This innovative solution, introduced for the park’s 30th season, offers visitors a seamless parking experience in two designated zones: Premium and P6. While general parking remains free across six zones, the Premium parking option is priced at Dh120, and P6 costs Dh75. Both zones feature automatic payment integration through the Salik eWallet, eliminating the need for physical tickets. Additionally, visitors can check real-time parking availability via the Global Village mobile app, which also provides directions to the nearest available parking spots. For those seeking convenience, Premium and VIP parking services grant access to dedicated slots near the main entrances—The Cultural Gate and the Gate of the World. This initiative aims to enhance the overall visitor experience at the park, which has already drawn thousands of guests since its season opening on October 15. On weekends, five additional parking zones are activated to accommodate higher demand. Global Village continues to solidify its reputation as a must-visit attraction in Dubai, blending cultural experiences with modern amenities.
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UAE: Family given Dh250,000 after worker’s death due to employer negligence
In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Appeals Court has increased the compensation awarded to the family of a construction worker who died due to employer negligence. The court raised the compensation from Dh100,000 to Dh250,000, emphasizing the employer’s failure to implement proper safety measures. The worker tragically fell from scaffolding and died instantly, a direct result of the company’s neglect of its duty to protect employees. The court also ordered the defendants to cover all legal and court-related fees. The heirs had initially sought Dh10 million in compensation, arguing that the employer’s negligence directly caused the worker’s death and violated occupational safety laws. The court highlighted that while Islamic blood money (diya) compensates part of the loss, it does not cover the full financial, emotional, and moral damages suffered by the family. This ruling underscores the legal obligation of employers to maintain strict safety protocols, particularly in high-risk environments like construction sites. It serves as a stern warning to companies across the UAE to prioritize worker safety or face severe legal and financial consequences. The case also affirms the right of families to pursue full compensation for preventable workplace deaths, holding employers accountable for negligence that costs lives. The decision stresses the critical importance of adhering to occupational safety standards and ensuring the well-being of workers, emphasizing that tragedies caused by avoidable negligence cannot be fully rectified by diya alone.
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Dubai Police to now track vehicles with fines, seizure orders using Parkin spaces
Dubai Police has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Parkin PJSC, the leading provider of public parking facilities in the emirate, to integrate their traffic management systems with Parkin’s smart parking and payment platforms. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at GITEX Global 2025, aims to enhance road safety and streamline traffic enforcement. By leveraging advanced technologies, the initiative will enable Dubai Police to instantly identify vehicles with outstanding fines or seizure orders as soon as they use Parkin’s facilities, allowing for swift legal action. The integration will also aid in detecting vehicles involved in criminal or traffic cases, further bolstering the city’s security measures. Brigadier Issam Ibrahim Al Awar, Acting Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, emphasized that this partnership underscores the force’s commitment to digital transformation and public safety. He highlighted that the project will improve traffic monitoring, ensure compliance with laws, and reduce the presence of unlicensed vehicles or unpaid fines on the roads. Engineer Mohamed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating that it aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable urban development. The initiative is expected to enhance parking and traffic management efficiency, contributing to a safer and more seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne have successfully completed a six-month, unsupported rowing journey from Peru to Australia. The duo shared their remarkable story with the BBC, detailing how they navigated the vast Pacific Ocean in a small boat, relying solely on their resourcefulness and resilience. Throughout the arduous expedition, they sustained themselves by catching fish and cultivating their own vegetables, showcasing their ability to adapt to the challenges of life at sea. This incredible journey not only highlights their physical and mental fortitude but also serves as an inspiring testament to human perseverance and the spirit of adventure.
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Sharjah warns of Dh2,000 fine for unauthorised camping, bumps up security
As the winter season approaches, drawing thousands of residents and tourists to Sharjah’s desert and open areas for camping, authorities have announced stringent measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Unauthorized camping will now incur a fine of Dh2,000, which will double for repeat offenders. These fines are integrated into the Ministry of Interior’s system and must be settled during vehicle registration renewals. To enforce these regulations, the Sharjah Central Region Police Department has deployed comprehensive security measures across key desert areas, including Al Badayer, Al Faya, and Mleiha. Police patrols, supported by rescue units and a dedicated operations room, have been active since early October to respond swiftly to emergencies, locate lost campers, and provide first aid. Authorities have also established checkpoints to monitor compliance and detect unlicensed drivers, while barbed wire fencing has been installed along major desert roads to prevent accidents involving stray animals. Campers are warned against irresponsible behaviors such as reckless off-road driving, loud music, and creating disturbances, which could lead to serious accidents or injuries. The police emphasized that these measures aim not only to maintain order but also to protect Sharjah’s fragile desert environment. By adhering to safety guidelines and preserving natural habitats, residents and visitors can contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable winter camping experience.
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‘We are orphans’: Kenyans bid farewell to ex-PM Odinga in his political heartland
The Kenyan city of Kisumu witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of grief as tens of thousands gathered at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium to honor the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The 80-year-old political icon, who passed away in a hospital in India, was laid to rest following a state funeral in Nairobi on Friday. His body now lies in state in Kisumu, his political stronghold, ahead of a private burial scheduled for Sunday at his farm in Bondo, approximately 60 kilometers west of Kisumu.
Mourners began arriving at the stadium before dawn on Saturday, many adorned in orange, the signature color of Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement. They waved branches, a traditional symbol of mourning among the Luo ethnic group, to which Odinga belonged. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, with cries of ‘we are orphans’ echoing through the crowd. Dixon Ochieng, one of the mourners, described Odinga as ‘an icon of Africa,’ a sentiment shared by many who viewed him as a pivotal figure in Kenya’s journey toward multi-party democracy.
Odinga’s political career was marked by resilience and controversy. He served as the country’s main opposition leader for decades, contesting five presidential elections, the most recent being three years ago. Despite repeated claims of electoral fraud, Odinga remained a steadfast advocate for democratic principles. Following the contentious 2007 election, which was marred by violence, he assumed the role of prime minister in a unity government. His legacy is deeply rooted in his unwavering commitment to freedom and self-governance, earning him a devoted following, particularly in western Kenya.
Among the dignitaries paying tribute to Odinga was former U.S. President Barack Obama, who lauded him as ‘a true champion of democracy.’ In a heartfelt message on X, Obama highlighted Odinga’s willingness to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions and his dedication to peaceful reconciliation. ‘Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions,’ Obama wrote.
As Kenya bids farewell to one of its most influential leaders, the nation reflects on the indelible mark Odinga left on its political landscape. His legacy of resilience, democracy, and unity continues to inspire countless Kenyans, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
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A look at Prince Andrew’s antics and scandals that have tried royal patience for decades
In a dramatic turn of events, Britain’s Prince Andrew has been compelled to relinquish his remaining royal titles, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-prominent royal figure. This decision, orchestrated by his brother King Charles III, comes in the wake of mounting controversies surrounding Andrew’s association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Over the past four decades, Andrew’s actions have repeatedly embarrassed the royal family, sparking lawsuits, public outrage, and allegations of exploiting his royal status for personal gain. The prince’s tumultuous journey includes a series of scandals that have tarnished his reputation and ultimately led to his banishment from public life. In 1984, Andrew made headlines for spraying reporters with paint during a visit to Los Angeles, an incident he later described as enjoyable. In 2007, he sold his Sunninghill Park estate for a price significantly above market value, raising suspicions of an influence-peddling scheme involving a Kazakh businessman. The prince’s troubles escalated in 2010 when his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, was caught on camera allegedly offering access to Andrew for £500,000. The following year, Andrew resigned as Britain’s special trade envoy amid revelations of his ties to Epstein and other controversial figures. The Epstein scandal reached its peak in 2019 when Andrew faced allegations of sexual misconduct with underage victims trafficked by Epstein. A disastrous BBC interview later that year further damaged his credibility, as he failed to express remorse for Epstein’s victims. By 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse, though he admitted no wrongdoing. In 2024, new concerns emerged about his association with a suspected Chinese spy, prompting national security alarms. The prince’s downfall culminated in 2025 with the tragic suicide of Giuffre and the revelation of a 2011 email to Epstein, contradicting his earlier claims of severed ties. These events have irrevocably stained Andrew’s legacy, forcing the royal family to distance itself from his actions.
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UAE: Do you share your child’s photos online? Experts warn of cyber risks
In the digital age, sharing children’s photos online has become a common practice for many parents, often seen as a way to celebrate milestones or express pride. However, cybersecurity experts are raising alarms about the significant risks associated with this seemingly innocent habit. Sara Al Kindi, a cybersecurity expert, highlights that every image or detail shared can lead to identity theft, misuse of facial recognition technology, location tracking, grooming, and exploitation. Once uploaded, these images are often permanently stored on servers, leaving a lasting digital footprint beyond parental control. According to Kaspersky’s Growing Up Online study, 48% of parents in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa share their children’s photos on social media, with 28% doing so without privacy restrictions. This exposes children to potential misuse by strangers. Maryam Hassan, a Dubai-based mother, shared her experience of switching her Instagram account to private after strangers began commenting on her children’s photos. Priyanka Chatterjee, CEO of the London College of Cyber Security, emphasized that routine details like school names and addresses can make children vulnerable to real-world exploitation. She also warned about the rise of AI-generated child exploitation material, which has seen a dramatic increase in recent months. Dr. Saleha Afridi, a clinical psychologist, advises parents to consider their children’s consent and avoid sharing sensitive information publicly. Experts recommend using private cloud storage, encrypted platforms, and removing identifying details from posts to safeguard children’s privacy and security.
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Look: Sharjah projects breathe life into ancient buildings to preserve heritage
In a world increasingly dominated by rapid modernization, Sharjah is taking a distinctive approach by prioritizing heritage preservation as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Across the emirate, historic buildings, traditional souqs, and entire neighborhoods are being meticulously restored, transforming them into vibrant cultural and economic hubs that honor the past while embracing the future. These efforts span from the bustling Heart of Sharjah district to remote mountain villages and desert outposts, showcasing a commitment to preserving architectural and cultural identity. Restoration teams are using original materials such as clay, coral stone, gypsum, and wood to breathe new life into structures dating back over a century. This ambitious initiative has positioned Sharjah as a regional leader in heritage conservation, with UNESCO highlighting the economic benefits of cultural heritage sites, which stimulate local economies through tourism and job creation. While restoring heritage buildings can cost 30 to 50 percent more than modern construction, the long-term cultural and economic returns are proving substantial. Key projects include the Heart of Sharjah, a massive historical restoration project revitalizing traditional souqs and centuries-old homes; The Chedi Al Bait, a luxury hotel housed in restored historic homes; Najd Al Meqsar, a mountain heritage retreat; and Al Faya Retreat, a desert lodge housed in a restored 1960s clinic and petrol station. These projects reflect Sharjah’s philosophy of viewing cultural identity as a living, evolving element of sustainable development, ensuring that the emirate’s rich history continues to inspire future generations.