In a significant development within the British royal family, Prince Andrew has announced his decision to relinquish his title as the Duke of York. This move comes amidst ongoing scrutiny and criticism regarding his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex trafficking. Prince Andrew made the announcement on Friday, October 17, 2025, emphasizing his continued denial of the allegations against him. In a formal statement, he expressed concern that the persistent accusations were diverting attention from the duties of his elder brother, King Charles, and the broader responsibilities of the royal family. ‘I will therefore no longer use the title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me,’ Prince Andrew declared. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the royal family’s efforts to distance itself from the scandal and maintain its public image.
分类： world
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Belgian court clears extradition of diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India
In a landmark decision, a Belgian court in Antwerp has granted India’s request for the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, marking a significant step in the ongoing Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The court ruled that Choksi’s arrest by Belgian authorities earlier this year was lawful, paving the way for his potential return to India. However, the extradition process is not immediate, as Choksi retains the right to appeal the decision before a higher court.
Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of masterminding one of India’s largest banking frauds, involving fraudulent letters of undertaking that allegedly defrauded PNB of over Rs13,000 crore. Following a formal request from Indian authorities, Choksi was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11, 2025, and has since been held in a Belgian prison. Multiple bail pleas have been rejected due to concerns over his potential flight risk.
To address human-rights concerns raised during the extradition proceedings, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) provided a detailed letter of assurance to Belgian authorities. The document outlined specific safeguards for Choksi’s detention in India, including access to medical care, adequate living conditions, and oversight by human rights commissions. Choksi is expected to be held in Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, a facility designed for non-violent offenders, equipped with modern amenities and 24×7 medical support.
The Indian government has also assured that Choksi will receive specialised medical treatment at Sir J J Group of Hospitals, with judicial and human rights oversight to ensure compliance with international standards. This ruling represents a critical development in India’s efforts to bring Choksi to justice, as he faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
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US sinks international deal on decarbonising ships
A pivotal international agreement aimed at reducing maritime emissions has been postponed for a year following strong opposition from the United States. The decision, which came during a vote at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, highlights deepening divisions between oil-producing nations and their counterparts. The IMO, a United Nations body overseeing global shipping, had initially proposed a global carbon pricing system in April to curb greenhouse gas emissions. However, the vote to formalize this plan was delayed after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened sanctions against countries supporting the initiative. Trump criticized the proposed carbon tax as a ‘scam,’ reinforcing his administration’s pro-fossil fuel stance. The U.S. withdrawal from IMO negotiations in April set the stage for this week’s contentious discussions, which culminated in a hastily arranged resolution to postpone the vote, passing 57 to 49. Major oil producers like Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined the U.S. in opposing the measure, citing economic and food security concerns. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed disappointment, urging delegates to avoid repeating the week’s chaotic proceedings. The International Chamber of Shipping, representing over 80% of the global fleet, also voiced frustration, emphasizing the need for clarity to drive investments in decarbonization. The proposed Net Zero Framework (NZF) would require ships to reduce carbon emissions progressively from 2028, with financial penalties for non-compliance. Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the carbon pricing plan aims to incentivize the use of cleaner fuels. The Philippines and Caribbean nations, heavily reliant on maritime industries, would face significant impacts from U.S. visa restrictions and sanctions. Despite the setback, supporters like the European Union, China, and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to the NZF. Pacific Island states, initially hesitant, were expected to back the plan this time. If adopted, the global emissions pricing system would be challenging to evade, as IMO conventions allow signatories to inspect and detain non-compliant vessels.
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Pakistan, Afghanistan extend ceasefire until conclusion of Doha peace talks
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend their 48-hour ceasefire until the conclusion of ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar. This decision comes after weeks of intense clashes, marking the worst violence between the two nations in decades. A Pakistani delegation has already arrived in Doha, while an Afghan delegation is expected to join the discussions on Saturday, according to unnamed security officials and a Taliban source. The temporary truce, initiated on Wednesday, paused fierce ground fighting and airstrikes that resulted in numerous casualties and heightened tensions along their contested border. The conflict escalated after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil, including a recent suicide attack that killed seven soldiers in North Waziristan. While the Taliban denies these allegations, Pakistan has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. International mediators, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have stepped in to facilitate peace efforts, with U.S. President Donald Trump also offering assistance. The extended ceasefire reflects a cautious optimism as both nations seek to de-escalate hostilities and address long-standing grievances.
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Lebanese judge orders release of Gaddafi’s son on $11 million bail, issues travel ban
A Lebanese judge has ordered the release of Hannibal Gaddafi, son of the late Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi, on a $11 million bail after nearly a decade of pre-trial detention. The decision, announced on Friday, also includes a travel ban. Gaddafi was arrested in 2015 on allegations of withholding information about the disappearance of Lebanese Shiite cleric Mussa Sadr, who vanished during a visit to Libya in 1978. Despite his release, Gaddafi’s lawyer, Laurent Bayon, criticized the bail as “totally unacceptable” in a case of arbitrary detention, citing international sanctions that prevent his client from accessing such funds. Bayon vowed to challenge the decision. Gaddafi, now 49, has faced significant health issues, including severe depression and recent hospitalization for abdominal pain. His prolonged detention has drawn criticism from Human Rights Watch, which called for his immediate release in August, citing unsubstantiated allegations. The case has strained relations between Lebanon and Libya, with Beirut blaming Moamer Gaddafi for Sadr’s disappearance. Hannibal Gaddafi, married to Lebanese model Aline Skaf, fled to Syria after the 2011 Libyan uprising and was later kidnapped and brought to Lebanon. His name has also surfaced in the case of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was convicted of accepting illegal campaign funds from Moamer Gaddafi. French investigations revealed attempts to corrupt Lebanese judges to secure Hannibal’s release and clear Sarkozy’s name. The case remains a complex web of international intrigue and unresolved tensions.
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Incentives and attractions abound in Armenia
Armenia is increasingly becoming a favored destination for Gulf tourists and investors, offering a unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and business opportunities. With visa-free access for Gulf residents and expanding flight connections, the country is positioning itself as a year-round destination for leisure and business travelers alike. Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, emphasized the country’s strengths: ‘We don’t have oil or gas, but we have people. Our people are our greatest treasure. We enjoy over 300 sunny days a year, even in winter, which makes our country attractive for both leisure and business travelers.’ Armenia’s tourism strategy for 2026–2030 focuses on cultural heritage, gastronomy, agritourism, and adventure tourism, building on its reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination. The country boasts over 10 UNESCO-recognized heritage sites and is known for its vibrant nightlife and safety. ‘In Armenia, it’s common to leave your bag or phone at a café table without any worries — no one touches it,’ Gevorgyan noted. The Tourism Committee has been deepening ties with Gulf nations, with visa-free entry for Gulf residents and new flight routes enhancing accessibility. Direct flights from Abu Dhabi launched in June, and Armenia is working with Fly One Armenia to expand routes to both Europe and the Gulf. Armenia is also emerging as a medical tourism hub, thanks to highly trained doctors, affordability, and growing international visibility. The country is developing a digital platform called Bridge, which will connect doctors, tour operators, patients, lawyers, and insurers, offering an all-in-one service with a single agreement and price. ‘Armenia is closer and more cost-effective than countries like Germany, yet offers excellent care in fields like dentistry, implantology, and cosmetic surgery,’ Gevorgyan explained. Wellness tourism is another area of focus, with regional hubs like Dilijan developing into world-class destinations. Public-private partnerships are driving Armenia’s tourism boom, with a $100 million loan agreement with the World Bank and an additional $20 million from the government aimed at improving roads, utilities, public restrooms, and tourism infrastructure. Unique tourism experiences, such as the new winter sports hub in Aragatsotn and the Myler Mountain Resort, are attracting international investors. Tax incentives further encourage foreign investment, with tax-free zones for tourism infrastructure projects. Armenia’s thriving tourism industry is underpinned by a business-friendly climate, with the ability to register a company online in under an hour. Enterprise Armenia, the country’s investment promotion agency, supports international investors through every stage of development. With its ancient monasteries, clean mountain air, safe family-friendly environment, and innovative approach to investment, Armenia is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for Gulf travelers and global investors. ‘Our food is fresh, clean, and eco-friendly. We are proud of our ecotourism potential, especially in our villages, where nature remains untouched,’ Gevorgyan concluded.
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Outcry after Israel returns Palestinian bodies in ‘horrific condition’ to Gaza
Human rights organizations and medical experts have raised alarm over the condition of 120 Palestinian bodies returned by Israel to Gaza, citing evidence of systematic torture, mutilation, and potential organ theft. The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that forensic examinations revealed signs of field executions, crush injuries, and severe physical abuse. The bodies, handed over in three batches, were described as being bound, blindfolded, and bearing horrific marks of torture and burns. Muneer Alboursh, Gaza’s Ministry of Health director general, stated that the victims were executed after being restrained and stored in refrigerators for months. Graphic images circulating online depict decomposing bodies with rope marks, gunshot wounds, and other signs of brutality. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor highlighted additional evidence of hanging, fractures, and deep wounds, suggesting genocidal intent. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of the Gaza Government Media Office, raised suspicions of organ theft, noting missing limbs and internal organs. The body exchange is part of a ceasefire agreement, which also includes prisoner swaps. Hamas has released 20 Israeli captives in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with further exchanges expected.
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Polish judge refuses to extradite Ukrainian Nord Stream blasts suspect
In a landmark decision, a Polish judge has refused to extradite a Ukrainian citizen, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who was suspected by Germany of involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022. Judge Dariusz Lubowski of the Warsaw District Court ruled that if Ukraine was responsible for the attack, it could be considered a ‘just’ act in the context of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The ruling, which was met with surprise in the courtroom, led to Zhuravlyov’s immediate release and sparked a broader debate about the legal and moral implications of the case.
Zhuravlyov, a deep-sea diver by profession, was detained in Poland last month on a European arrest warrant. He is accused of planting explosives on the Nord Stream pipelines, which run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. The explosions, which occurred in September 2022, severely damaged the controversial energy supply line, initially raising suspicions of Russian involvement before evidence pointed toward Ukrainian actors. Ukrainian officials have consistently denied any role in the sabotage.
In his ruling, Judge Lubowski emphasized that the context of the war in Ukraine was critical to his decision. He described Russia’s invasion as a ‘bloody and genocidal attack’ and argued that Ukraine had the legal right to defend itself. Citing philosophical principles from Aristotle and Saint Thomas Aquinas, Lubowski stated that actions taken by Ukraine to weaken Russia’s military potential could be justified. ‘If Ukraine and its special forces organized an armed mission to destroy enemy pipelines, these actions were not unlawful. On the contrary, they were justified, rational, and just,’ he declared.
The judge also questioned Germany’s jurisdiction over the case, noting that the explosions occurred in international waters on pipelines owned primarily by the Russian state. He insisted that his decision was based on legal reasoning rather than emotional or political considerations. Following the ruling, Zhuravlyov was granted compensation from the Polish state for his detention.
Zhuravlyov’s wife, Yulianna, expressed relief at the verdict, stating that it was important for Ukrainians to feel understood. The family, who have lived in Poland since February 2022, plans to remain in the country. Meanwhile, another Ukrainian suspect, Serhiy Kuznetsov, detained in Italy in August, is also fighting extradition to Germany. His case was recently sent back to a lower court in Bologna after Italy’s top appeals court annulled an earlier extradition ruling.
The Nord Stream sabotage case has highlighted the complexities of international law and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine. While Germany has expressed respect for the Polish court’s decision, the case continues to raise questions about accountability and the legal boundaries of wartime actions.
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How Assad’s Syria moved the bodies of its victims
Under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian government orchestrated a clandestine operation to conceal the scale of its atrocities by relocating bodies to mass graves. This operation, spanning years, involved the forced conscription of truck drivers, including those transporting everyday goods like ice cream, meat, and produce, to assist in the grim task of moving corpses. Witnesses, including former truckers, diggers, and cemetery overseers, have revealed the industrial-scale nature of these activities, conducted under the cover of darkness to avoid detection.
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Libya: Tripoli in dangerous standoff as PM set on reining in last opponents in the west
In the bustling streets of Tripoli, Libya’s capital, the evening rush hour paints a picture of normalcy, yet beneath the surface lies a city teetering on the edge of conflict. At the entrance to Souq al-Juma, a densely populated district, four armed fighters from the Deterrence Apparatus, known as Radaa, stand guard. Clad in pristine uniforms and armed with advanced Kalashnikovs, they outshine the lone police officer nearby, symbolizing the power struggle gripping the city.