分类: world

  • No contact with Iran Nobel winner since arrest: Supporters

    No contact with Iran Nobel winner since arrest: Supporters

    Nobel Peace Prize recipient Narges Mohammadi remains completely incommunicado since her detention by Iranian authorities last Friday, according to statements released by her support network on Sunday. The prominent human rights advocate was apprehended following her address at a memorial service in Mashhad for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, whose recent death under unclear circumstances has sparked controversy.

    The Mashhad prosecutor’s office confirmed 38 individuals were detained during the gathering, including Mohammadi and fellow activist Sepideh Gholian. Javad Alikordi, brother of the deceased lawyer, was arrested separately later that same day. Mohammadi had been temporarily released from prison on medical grounds in December 2024 but continued her advocacy work during this period.

    Disturbing reports indicate that Mohammadi has been unable to make any contact with her family or legal representatives since the arrest. Her foundation expressed grave concerns regarding the physical and psychological welfare of all detainees, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. The organization revealed that Mohammadi’s case has been transferred to Mashhad’s revolutionary prosecutor, potentially involving national security charges.

    Eyewitness accounts describe security forces violently apprehending Mohammadi after she addressed the crowd without wearing the mandatory headscarf. The foundation estimates actual arrest numbers may exceed 50 individuals, contradicting official figures.

    Prosecutor Hassan Hemmatifar defended the arrests through state media, accusing those detained of delivering provocative speeches and inciting public disorder. The memorial service honored Alikordi, a lawyer known for defending protesters during the 2022-2023 demonstrations, whose death authorities attribute to natural causes while activists describe it as suspicious.

    This incident occurs against a backdrop of intensified suppression in Iran, with activists reporting over 1,400 executions this year alone, maintaining pressure on dissent despite the conclusion of recent regional conflicts.

  • Balloons from Belarus are causing chaos in Lithuania. Is it smugglers or a hybrid attack?

    Balloons from Belarus are causing chaos in Lithuania. Is it smugglers or a hybrid attack?

    Lithuania is confronting an unprecedented national security emergency as coordinated balloon incursions from Belarus disrupt civil aviation and border security. Over the past ten weeks, giant white balloons carrying contraband cigarettes have forced fifteen shutdowns of Vilnius International Airport, stranding thousands of travelers and culminating in one eleven-hour complete airspace closure.

    Lithuanian authorities assert these are not mere smuggling operations but calculated acts of hybrid warfare. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told the BBC that the balloons are strategically launched to target the airport located just 30km from the Belarusian border. ‘This is political blackmail,’ Budrys stated, indicating Belarus views this as leverage against its neighbor.

    In response, Lithuania has deployed military police for nightly border patrols, established mobile checkpoints, and offered a €1 million prize for technological solutions to intercept the high-altitude balloons. New legislation now criminalizes aviation sabotage with potential prison sentences.

    The government dismisses Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s claims that independent smugglers are responsible. Crisis management head Vilmantas Vitkauskas noted the precise timing of launches—one or two balloons every 30 minutes—suggests state coordination. Lithuanian officials believe the operation aims to force sanctions relief and end Belarus’s international isolation following its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    The economic impact is mounting, with estimated losses reaching €2 million and airlines altering flight schedules. Travelers now consult wind forecasts before booking flights, while officials worry about eroding public confidence in air travel and NATO’s preparedness for unconventional threats.

  • ‘Genuine hero’: Bystander who tackled gunman at Sydney shooting identified as fruit shop owner

    ‘Genuine hero’: Bystander who tackled gunman at Sydney shooting identified as fruit shop owner

    In a remarkable display of courage during Sunday’s violent attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, a civilian bystander intervened directly with an armed assailant, an act authorities believe prevented further casualties. Video evidence circulating across social platforms depicts 43-year-old fruit market proprietor Ahmed al Ahmed confronting a rifle-wielding attacker in a parking area. The footage shows al Ahmed, distinguished by his white shirt, charging from behind to wrestle the firearm away from the dark-clad gunman before redirecting the weapon toward its owner.

    The assailant subsequently retreated toward an overpass where an additional shooter was positioned, while the civilian hero carefully placed the confiscated rifle on the ground. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns characterized the intervention as ‘the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen’ and declared the bystander ‘a genuine hero’ whose bravery undoubtedly preserved numerous lives.

    The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at the popular beach destination, leaving one suspected gunman deceased and another in critical condition. Law enforcement officials are investigating potential involvement of a third attacker. Although Reuters verified the authenticity of the viral video through cross-referenced visual evidence, the bystander’s identity remains officially unconfirmed. Local media outlet Seven News reported that al Ahmed sustained two gunshot wounds during the confrontation and required hospitalization.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined in praising citizens who demonstrated extraordinary valor by moving toward danger to assist others. Social media platforms overflowed with public admiration for the civilian’s actions, with one commentator noting ‘most people run from danger but this man… was not one of those people’ while another declared him a hero who saved countless lives during the Bondi Beach tragedy.

  • Gunmen kill 11, wound many on Sydney beach

    Gunmen kill 11, wound many on Sydney beach

    SYDNEY – A joyous Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach turned into a scene of carnage on Sunday when two assailants opened fire on a crowd of over 1,000 people, killing 11 and injuring 29 others in what Australian authorities have declared a terrorist attack.

    The assault occurred during the ‘Hanukkah by the Sea’ ceremony marking the first night of the Jewish festival of lights. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the attack was deliberately orchestrated to target Sydney’s Jewish community, transforming an occasion meant for spiritual reflection and happiness into one of profound tragedy.

    Law enforcement response was immediate, with one gunman fatally shot by police and the other apprehended at the scene. Among the wounded were two police officers reported to be in critical condition following the confrontation.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, characterizing the violence as a “dark moment” for Australia and condemning the attack as an assault on the country’s fundamental values. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation,” he stated, while calling for national unity and vowing a comprehensive investigation.

    Dramatic eyewitness footage circulated by Australian media depicted a bystander heroically tackling and disarming one attacker before the individual retreated. Simultaneously, a second shooter positioned on a nearby bridge continued firing toward the crowd from approximately 50-100 meters away.

    Authorities later discovered a vehicle containing several improvised explosive devices in the Bondi area, heightening concerns about the planned scale of the attack. New South Wales Police issued urgent advisories for the public to avoid the Bondi Beach vicinity as operations continued through the evening.

    The Chinese Consulate General in Sydney promptly issued a security alert for Chinese nationals residing in New South Wales, advising heightened vigilance, precautionary measures, and maintained communication channels.

    Federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, have initiated a joint counterterrorism investigation to identify all individuals associated with planning and executing the attack. Acting AFP Commissioner Nigel Ryan pledged the deployment of all available specialist resources and powers to ensure a thorough investigation.

  • Eleven killed at Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

    Eleven killed at Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

    A festive Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach was shattered by violence when two assailants opened fire on attendees, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and multiple injuries. The attack, which Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned as a deliberate act of terrorism and antisemitism, occurred on the first night of the Jewish festival of lights.

    New South Wales police confirmed emergency services transported at least 29 wounded individuals to area hospitals following the shooting. The assailants were confronted at the scene, with one perpetrator killed during the incident and the other sustaining critical injuries. Authorities later discovered improvised explosive devices within a vehicle connected to the deceased attacker near the beachfront location.

    Prime Minister Albanese addressed the nation, emphasizing the symbolic significance of targeting Jewish Australians during what should be a joyous religious observance. “This violent act strikes at the heart of our nation’s values,” Albanese stated. “An attack on Jewish Australians constitutes an attack on all Australians and our multicultural society.”

    The Bondi Beach area, typically crowded with summer tourists and locals during the southern hemisphere’s peak holiday season, was transformed into an active crime scene as police secured the perimeter. Initial emergency responses began at approximately 6:47 PM local time following reports of gunfire at the “Hanukkah by the Sea” community event.

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the motivations behind the attack and potential connections to broader extremist networks. Security has been heightened at Jewish institutions nationwide as the community mourns the tragic loss of life.

  • Australia confirms Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist attack

    Australia confirms Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist attack

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially designated the deadly shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach as a terrorist attack. The confirmation came during a Sunday evening press conference where the leader characterized the violence as a calculated act targeting Jewish Australians.

    The assault occurred during the ‘Hanukkah by the Sea’ celebration, a festive gathering marking the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the particular cruelty of timing, noting that the attack transformed what should have been “a day of joy, a celebration of faith” into a scene of tragedy.

    Authorities are investigating the incident as a deliberate act of antisemitic terrorism that has profoundly impacted the nation. The Prime Minister’s statement described the event as “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation,” underscoring the targeted nature of the violence against the Jewish community during their religious observance.

    The confirmation follows an earlier report of a mass shooting at the popular beach destination, with investigations ongoing to determine the full scope of casualties and the specific motivations behind the attack. Security agencies have intensified efforts to address community safety concerns following this declaration of a terrorist incident.

  • 9 African migrants died in freezing temperatures near Morocco-Algeria border

    9 African migrants died in freezing temperatures near Morocco-Algeria border

    In a devastating incident highlighting the perils of irregular migration, nine African migrants perished from extreme cold exposure near Morocco’s mountainous border region with Algeria. The tragic discovery in Ras Asfour—a remote area known for its harsh winter conditions—has triggered significant concern among human rights organizations across North Africa.

    The Moroccan Association of Human Rights confirmed the victims included seven men and two women from various sub-Saharan nations, with one individual identified as Guinean. According to their Saturday statement, “Their exhausted bodies could not withstand the plunging temperatures” that characterize this treacherous transit zone.

    This tragedy occurs within the broader context of ongoing migration patterns where thousands annually attempt dangerous journeys from North Africa to European destinations. Many seek entry via Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla through fence scaling or swimming, while others undertake the perilous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.

    The region has increasingly become a focal point for migration control efforts, with EU security agreements enhancing North African authorities’ capabilities to deter irregular movement. Many migrants spend months or years in informal employment sectors—including construction, agriculture, and domestic work—while awaiting crossing opportunities across the Mediterranean or Atlantic.

    Human rights groups have responded forcefully to the incident. The Moroccan Organization of Human Rights has called for border humanization policies, decriminalization of irregular migration and residence, and establishment of mechanisms to track missing migrants. Meanwhile, six victims have been buried locally while two bodies were preserved for family identification purposes.

    Morocco’s Interior Ministry has not yet issued official comments regarding the specific circumstances of these deaths, though the nation’s security forces regularly report intercepting migration attempts through this corridor.

  • Chinese nationals urged to stay vigilant following Sydney shooting

    Chinese nationals urged to stay vigilant following Sydney shooting

    The Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney has activated emergency protocols following a deadly shooting incident at Bondi Beach that resulted in multiple casualties on Sunday. In response to the security crisis, diplomatic officials have issued an urgent safety advisory through their official WeChat platform targeting Chinese nationals residing in New South Wales.

    The consulate’s directive emphasizes heightened vigilance and proactive security measures. Chinese citizens are instructed to maintain constant awareness of local security developments, implement appropriate personal protection strategies, and ensure mobile communication devices remain operational at all times. The advisory specifically mandates immediate contact with Australian law enforcement and emergency services should any security threats arise.

    Australian authorities have concurrently established security perimeters around the affected area, urging public avoidance of the Bondi Beach vicinity while police operations continue. The shooting incident, which marks one of Sydney’s most significant public security events in recent years, has triggered coordinated response efforts between international diplomatic missions and local law enforcement agencies.

    The consulate’s communication highlights the importance of real-time information sharing and represents part of broader contingency planning for overseas citizen protection. This incident has prompted reevaluation of security protocols for international communities within Australia, with particular attention to tourist-frequented locations and public gathering spaces.

  • JetBlue flight near Venezuela avoids ‘midair collision’ with US Air Force tanker

    JetBlue flight near Venezuela avoids ‘midair collision’ with US Air Force tanker

    A potentially catastrophic mid-air collision was narrowly avoided on Friday when a JetBlue commercial flight from Curaçao to New York abruptly terminated its ascent to evade a United States Air Force refueling tanker crossing its flight path. The alarming incident occurred amid heightened U.S. military operations in the Caribbean region.

    The pilot of JetBlue Flight 1112, en route to New York’s JFK International Airport, reported the close encounter with the military aircraft via radio communications with air traffic control. According to recorded transmissions, the commercial jetliner came within an estimated 2-3 miles of the tanker, which the pilot claimed was operating without its transponder activated—a critical safety device that enables aircraft identification and tracking.

    “We almost had a midair collision up here,” the visibly disturbed pilot communicated to controllers. “They passed directly in our flight path. They don’t have their transponder turned on—it’s outrageous.”

    JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski confirmed on Sunday that the airline had reported the incident to federal authorities and pledged full cooperation with any investigation. “Our crewmembers are trained on proper procedures for various flight situations,” Dombrowski stated, “and we appreciate our crew for promptly reporting this situation to our leadership team.”

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of intensified U.S. military activities in the Caribbean, including expanded drug interdiction operations and increased pressure on Venezuela’s government. Notably, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an advisory last month cautioning U.S. aircraft to “exercise caution” in Venezuelan airspace due to “worsening security situation and heightened military activity.”

    Neither the Pentagon nor the Air Force provided immediate commentary when contacted by The Associated Press. Air traffic controllers acknowledged the pilot’s concerns, with one controller agreeing that “it has been outrageous with the unidentified aircraft within our air.”

  • At least 12 dead in mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

    At least 12 dead in mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

    A horrific mass shooting shattered the evening calm at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday night, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and multiple injuries in what authorities have declared a terrorist incident. The attack occurred at approximately 6:40 PM local time when at least two assailants armed with high-powered firearms opened fire on crowds of people.

    New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the tragic death toll, noting that one of the perpetrators was among the deceased while another remains in police custody. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally classified the violent assault as an act of terrorism, marking one of Australia’s most devastating security incidents in recent years.

    Emergency services responded to the chaotic scene where 16 victims were transported to area hospitals, with several others receiving immediate medical attention on site. Among those injured were at least two police officers who responded to the emergency. Television network Nine Network reported that as many as 20 people may have been shot during the attack.

    The Australian Broadcasting Corporation identified one of the gunmen as Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west, citing an anonymous senior law enforcement official. Police subsequently conducted a raid on Akram’s residence as part of their investigation.

    The timing and location of the attack carried particular significance as many members of Sydney’s Jewish community had gathered at the beach for Hanukkah celebrations, the Jewish Festival of Lights. In response to the tragedy, a scheduled Hanukkah event in Melbourne was canceled, with Jewish communities across Australia placed on high alert.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Bondi scenes as “shocking,” while Premier Minns characterized the incident as deeply distressing. Authorities have confirmed there is no longer an active threat but continue to urge the public to avoid the area as investigations proceed. Visual evidence from the scene depicted abandoned firearms on the ground and terrified beachgoers fleeing for safety.