A 23-year-old employee of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Ottawa has been charged with multiple offenses, including fraud, unauthorized computer use, identity theft, and trafficking identity information. Ibrahim El-Hakim allegedly accessed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bank account and other profiles without authorization. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested El-Hakim on July 10 for using RBC’s IT services for criminal purposes. He has since been released under specific conditions. RBC stated that it independently identified the unauthorized access and cooperated with law enforcement. El-Hakim is no longer employed by the bank. According to a court affidavit reported by La Presse, El-Hakim’s actions are believed to be linked to organized crime. He allegedly accessed former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s account on June 17 and was paid C$5,000 by a Telegram contact to create fake bank profiles and obtain lines of credit. El-Hakim, hired by RBC in 2022, worked near Parliament Hill in Ottawa. He was caught on video and confessed during an internal security interview. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on October 1. Police confirmed there was no threat to Carney’s safety or national security.
分类： society
-
‘No warning’ – residents reel from deadly flood after typhoon bursts Taiwan lake
Super Typhoon Ragasa has left a trail of destruction in Taiwan, particularly in the eastern county of Hualien, where a catastrophic flood caused by the breach of a barrier lake has claimed lives and devastated communities. The barrier lake, formed after landslides triggered by an earlier typhoon in July, held an immense volume of water—approximately 91 million tonnes. When it burst its banks on Tuesday, it unleashed a torrent comparable to a tsunami, killing at least 14 people, injuring 32, and leaving 46 unaccounted for. The floodwaters, reaching depths of up to the second floor of buildings in some areas, swept away bridges, uprooted trees, and submerged vehicles, leaving residents in shock and despair. Awa, a 42-year-old bookstore owner in Guangfu Township, described the scene as “like a river outside, with cars floating and everything drifting.” She and her husband sought refuge on the second floor of their shop, attempting to salvage their books. Survivors reported receiving no immediate warning before the disaster struck, despite prior monitoring of the lake’s water levels by universities and authorities. Emergency evacuations were not mandatory, and many elderly residents, particularly those without access to smartphones, were left vulnerable. The disaster has highlighted the challenges of managing natural hazards in Taiwan, where barrier lakes are a recurring phenomenon. Experts noted that the lake’s composition and the lack of accessible roads hindered preventive measures. The tragedy has further strained Hualien’s tourism industry, already reeling from recent earthquakes. As communities grapple with loss and recovery, questions remain about the adequacy of disaster preparedness and response.
-
Greenland contraception scandal victims hear Danish PM’s emotional apology
In a historic and emotionally charged address, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen formally apologized to the women of Greenland for a controversial birth control program that forcibly implanted contraceptive coils in thousands of Inuit women during the 1960s and 1970s. Speaking to a packed audience in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, Frederiksen expressed deep remorse for the injustices committed. ‘Dear women. Dear families. Dear Greenland. Today there is only one right thing to say to you. Sorry,’ she stated. The apology was met with mixed reactions, including a silent protest by one woman who stood with her back to the prime minister, her mouth marked with a black handprint. The program, which targeted nearly half of Greenland’s childbearing-age women, involved the insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs) without consent, including in girls as young as 12. Many victims have suffered lifelong physical and emotional trauma, including infertility. Naja Lyberth, a prominent advocate for the affected women, emphasized the importance of the apology but criticized the lack of exploration into potential human rights violations. Frederiksen also announced plans for a ‘reconciliation fund,’ though details remain unclear. A lawsuit demanding compensation has been filed by 143 women, including Aviaq Petersen, who discovered she had an IUD inserted without her knowledge during an abortion at age 24. The apology comes amid growing scrutiny of Denmark’s historical and current policies in Greenland, including forced adoptions and the separation of Inuit children from their families. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the birth control program as one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. While the apology has been welcomed by many, some victims, like Elisa Christensen, expressed disappointment over the lack of compensation and tangible support. ‘The little girl inside me felt a hug from society,’ Christensen said, ‘but the grown-up Elisa doesn’t know how to use that apology.’ The case highlights ongoing tensions between Denmark and Greenland, as well as the broader implications of colonial-era policies on indigenous communities.
-
Kindy parents told to pay thousands for kids’ art – sparking uproar and a midnight heist
A Brisbane-based kindergarten has ignited widespread controversy after asking parents to pay A$2,200 (£1,000; $1,400) to take home their children’s art portfolios. The Craigslea Community Kindergarten and Preschool, which recently closed due to financial troubles, framed the request as a fundraiser to address mounting debts, including unpaid staff wages. The folders contained a mix of abstract creations and cherished memories, described as ‘only a parent could love.’ However, the demand has been met with fierce criticism, with Queensland’s leader labeling it ’emotional blackmail.’ The kindergarten’s management, already under scrutiny for governance issues, faced further backlash when a parent allegedly broke into the center to retrieve their child’s artwork. The incident has drawn public outrage, with thousands condemning the move on social media. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called the request ‘un-Australian’ and ‘wrong on so many levels,’ emphasizing the sentimental value of children’s art. The Department of Education and the Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K) later intervened, successfully recovering the portfolios and ensuring they are now free for families to collect. C&K condemned the practice of charging parents for their children’s works, reaffirming their commitment to ethical childcare practices.
-
Megachurch leader pleads not guilty to sex trafficking charges
Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of the Mexico-based evangelical megachurch La Luz del Mundo, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges in a New York court. García, 56, is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence in California after admitting to sexually abusing girls from his congregation. A recently unsealed indictment alleges that García, his mother, and four associates used the church to traffic women and children to the United States. The defendants have denied all charges, with García’s lawyer dismissing the allegations as “recycled claims” that have been previously debunked. La Luz del Mundo, founded in 1926 by García’s grandfather, Eusebio Joaquín González, is a fundamentalist Christian organization with millions of followers worldwide. Despite García’s 2022 guilty plea in Los Angeles, many church members remain loyal, viewing him as “the Apostle of Jesus Christ.” The indictment, released by the US Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York, accuses García and his co-defendants of sex trafficking, child pornography, forced labor, and unlawful financial dealings. US Attorney Jay Clayton stated that the defendants “exploited the faith of their followers to prey upon them” and used their religious influence to silence victims. Prosecutors claim that García continued a disturbing tradition established by his father and grandfather, who allegedly manipulated young women into sexual activity under the guise of earning “special blessings.” La Luz del Mundo has publicly denied the allegations, calling them “unfounded, untrue, and slanderous.”
-
Born in India, but not Indian: ‘Stateless’ man fights for citizenship
Bahison Ravindran, a 34-year-old web developer born in Tamil Nadu, India, to Sri Lankan refugee parents, has found himself in a legal limbo after being declared ‘stateless’ by Indian authorities. Despite holding an Indian passport and various government-issued identity documents, Ravindran was arrested in April for possessing an ‘invalid’ passport. Authorities cited a 1987 amendment to India’s citizenship law, which mandates that at least one parent must be an Indian citizen for a child born after July 1, 1987, to qualify for citizenship by birth. Ravindran, born in 1991, was unaware of this rule and has since applied for citizenship through naturalisation. His case highlights the struggles of thousands of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India, many of whom fled during the island nation’s civil war in the 1980s. Over 90,000 Sri Lankan Tamils reside in Tamil Nadu, with more than 22,000 born in India after 1987 facing similar citizenship challenges. India’s refusal to sign the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the exclusion of Sri Lankan Tamils from the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have exacerbated their plight. Ravindran, who recently married a Sri Lankan woman, hopes his case will prompt a resolution. His lawyer, Sandesh Saravanan, argues that Ravindran’s passport was issued after police verification, yet the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) flagged his parents’ origins, leading to his arrest. The Madras High Court has temporarily barred authorities from taking coercive action until the next hearing on October 8. Ravindran’s story underscores the broader issue of statelessness among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India, a problem that remains unresolved despite political promises.
-
In pictures: India’s Kolkata sees worst rains in 39 years
Kolkata, the capital of India’s West Bengal state, is reeling from its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades, resulting in widespread flooding, loss of life, and significant disruptions to daily life. The torrential downpour, which brought 251.4mm of rain in less than 24 hours, marks the city’s most severe deluge since 1986 and ranks as the sixth-highest single-day rainfall in the region over the past 137 years. The extreme weather, attributed to a low-pressure system over the north-east Bay of Bengal, has claimed at least 10 lives, with nine fatalities caused by electrocution in stagnant water. Residential areas and businesses across the city and its suburbs have been severely affected by waterlogging, with key roads submerged and train services halted, forcing commuters to navigate knee-deep floodwaters. The timing of the disaster is particularly unfortunate, as it coincides with Durga Puja, the region’s most significant annual festival, which draws tens of thousands of worshippers. Temporary temples, known as pandals, erected for the celebrations have also been inundated, dampening the festive spirit. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock at the unprecedented rainfall and pledged compensation for the victims’ families. Authorities have taken precautionary measures, including cutting power in affected areas to prevent further electrocution incidents. Efforts to restore normalcy are underway, but with more rain forecasted in the coming days, the city remains on high alert.
-
Tourism is helping Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas make a comeback
In the misty highlands of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the fate of the endangered mountain gorillas has become a shared concern for local communities. These majestic primates, many of whom have been given names, are not just symbols of biodiversity but also pillars of a thriving tourism economy. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with former poachers now leading conservation efforts and local women taking on roles as porters and guides. This shift underscores the profound economic and cultural impact of gorilla tourism on the region. Joyleen Tugume, a ranger-guide, reflects on the community’s emotional connection to the gorillas: ‘When a gorilla falls ill, everyone is concerned. It’s as if one of our own is suffering.’ This sentiment is echoed by Philemon Mujuni, a reformed poacher who now advocates for the protection of the species. Mujuni, once a hunter who viewed gorillas as threats, now leads a group of former poachers dedicated to safeguarding the primates. Their efforts, combined with the vigilance of armed rangers, have significantly reduced poaching and habitat encroachment. The economic benefits of gorilla tourism are undeniable. Tourists pay $800 per permit to observe these animals in their natural habitat, with $10 from each fee reinvested into local communities. This revenue has funded essential projects, from healthcare to water provision, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. The mountain gorilla population, once teetering on the brink of extinction, has seen a remarkable recovery, with numbers exceeding 1,000 in recent years. This success story is a testament to the power of community-driven conservation and the transformative potential of sustainable tourism. As Tugume aptly puts it, ‘We are all working together to ensure conservation succeeds because we all benefit.’
-
Australia journalist unfairly fired over Gaza post awarded A$150,000
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been mandated to pay A$150,000 in penalties for the unjust dismissal of presenter Antoinette Lattouf, following a controversial social media post related to the Gaza conflict. The Federal Court ruled earlier this year that Lattouf was removed from her role as a fill-in radio host in December 2023 due to her political stance and pressure from pro-Israel groups. While Lattouf had already received A$70,000 in damages, Justice Darryl Rangiah emphasized the necessity of the additional ‘substantial’ penalty to ensure the ABC learns from its mistakes. The broadcaster has since issued a public apology to Lattouf, acknowledging its failure towards both its staff and audiences. Lattouf’s dismissal sparked widespread public outrage and internal turmoil at the ABC, raising concerns about its independence and support for culturally diverse employees. Justice Rangiah criticized the ABC for surrendering employee rights to appease a lobby group, stating that the public scrutiny should have highlighted the unacceptability of its actions. Lattouf, a seasoned media contributor and activist on issues like racism and mental health, was hired for a week-long stint on ABC Radio Sydney’s Mornings show but was dismissed after three shifts. The decision to remove her was leaked to the media shortly after she shared a Human Rights Watch post accusing Israel of using starvation as a war tactic, an allegation Israel denies but which the International Criminal Court has deemed credible. The ABC claimed Lattouf violated its editorial policy by discussing the war on social media, but Justice Rangiah found no evidence she was instructed not to post. He described her Instagram story as ‘ill-advised’ but noted her dismissal was based on a mere suspicion of policy breach, with no opportunity for defense. The judge also highlighted an ‘orchestrated’ campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists to remove Lattouf from the outset, accusing ABC management of sacrificing her to mitigate criticism. He stressed that penalties should not be seen as a cost of avoiding criticism and criticized the ABC for failing to investigate the leak of Lattouf’s dismissal. The case has had ‘very significant consequences’ for Lattouf, with the court ordering the penalty to be paid within 28 days.
-
Sydney ‘Night Stalker’ pleads guilty to string of sexual assaults in 90s
A 61-year-old man, Glenn Gary Cameron, has pleaded guilty to a series of sexual assaults committed in Sydney during the early 1990s, marking a significant breakthrough in a cold case that had remained unsolved for three decades. Cameron, infamously known as Sydney’s ‘Night Stalker’ and the ‘Moore Park Rapist,’ was arrested at Sydney International Airport in February 2023 after detectives utilized advanced DNA and fingerprint technologies to revisit the unsolved cases. He has admitted to more than a dozen charges, including 11 counts of aggravated sexual assault involving the use of a weapon as a threat, targeting eight women between 1991 and 1993. Cameron’s identity was initially suppressed due to a reporting ban, which was lifted three months after his arrest. On Tuesday, he appeared via video link in Downing Centre Local Court, where he pleaded guilty to 13 of the 36 charges he faced. Nine charges were withdrawn, while the remaining 14 will be considered during his sentencing next month. These include multiple counts of indecent assault, aggravated sexual assault, and detaining a person for advantage. One of the victims, who was attacked decades ago, participated in the court proceedings remotely. A 1993 Sydney Morning Herald article revealed that the victims were primarily Asian women aged 17 to 45, with the attacker using simple Cantonese phrases to lure them near train stations under the guise of offering fake jobs before assaulting them at knifepoint, usually at night. The first attack occurred in April 1991 in Strathfield, followed by others in Moore Park.