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  • Tunisian police detain leading human rights defender as crackdown on critics widens

    Tunisian police detain leading human rights defender as crackdown on critics widens

    Tunisian security forces detained distinguished human rights attorney Ayachi Hammami at his residence near the capital on Tuesday, executing a five-year prison sentence mandated last week in a highly controversial state security case. The arrest marks the latest escalation in President Kais Saied’s comprehensive campaign against political opposition in the North African nation.

    Hammami stands among approximately forty individuals—including prominent politicians and business leaders—who received prison terms ranging from two to forty-five years in the same alleged conspiracy case. International human rights organizations have universally condemned the judicial proceedings, with Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International characterizing them as politically motivated maneuvers designed to eliminate dissent.

    In a pre-recorded statement released following his detention, Hammami declared an indefinite hunger strike until his freedom is secured. “I will transform the confinement space into which Kais Saied intends to place me into an arena of continued resistance,” the veteran rights defender asserted. “We collectively endure the oppression of this regime—our imperative remains unification against tyranny.”

    Fida Hammami, the attorney’s daughter, provided firsthand testimony to The Associated Press, describing the judicial process as fundamentally compromised. “The court that issued this verdict has relinquished all pretense of independence,” she stated, noting the trial featured “baseless allegations and systematic violations of due process standards.”

    Her assessment echoes broader concerns about Tunisia’s democratic backsliding since President Saied consolidated power in 2021. The Hammami case coincides with the arrest of Chaima Issa, opposition leader of the National Salvation Front, who received a twenty-year sentence and has similarly initiated a hunger strike protesting her detention by plainclothes officers in an unmarked vehicle.

    The Tunisian government maintains these prosecutions constitute essential national security measures against destabilization plots. Official statements repeatedly deny political motivations, framing the cases as necessary protections against threats to state stability.

    This developing situation underscores the continuing erosion of civil liberties in the nation that sparked the Arab Spring uprisings, drawing increased international scrutiny toward Saied’s administration and its treatment of government critics.

  • Slot tight-lipped over Salah’s return to Liverpool team

    Slot tight-lipped over Salah’s return to Liverpool team

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot has declined to confirm whether Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah will return to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Sunderland at Anfield. This follows Slot’s controversial decision to bench the prolific forward during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United.

    Salah, who ranks fourth among the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorers, is scheduled to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15. When questioned about Salah’s reaction to being omitted from the starting eleven, Slot acknowledged the player’s disappointment while praising his professionalism.

    “Naturally, any player of his caliber would be disappointed when not starting,” Slot stated during Tuesday’s press conference. “He has been exceptionally outstanding for this club over many years and will continue to be. His disciplined approach and understanding of fitness maintenance exemplify the professional he is.”

    The upcoming match begins a critical period for Liverpool, who currently sit eighth in the table with 21 points—nine behind league leaders Arsenal. This represents the club’s most challenging 12-game stretch across all competitions in over seven decades.

    Salah’s final appearance before international duty is expected to be against Brighton on December 13. Should Egypt advance to the AFCON final, Liverpool would be without their star forward for seven crucial matches.

    Despite recent struggles that include two consecutive home defeats, Liverpool face a favorable historical record against Sunderland, who haven’t won at Anfield since 1983. The visitors currently occupy sixth position with 22 points.

    Slot revealed positive developments regarding several key players. Record signing Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the club against West Ham, though the manager noted the striker experienced cramping afterward. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz has returned from a two-game injury absence, and Joe Gomez made his first top-flight start in eleven months.

    With three matches scheduled across six days—including a Champions League encounter at Inter Milan next Tuesday—Slot indicated rotational strategies would be necessary: “While Isak, Wirtz, and Gomez are all available for selection, none are currently capable of playing three full ninety-minute matches within a week.”

  • Tunisian opposition activist Chaima Issa starts hunger strike to protest violent arrest

    Tunisian opposition activist Chaima Issa starts hunger strike to protest violent arrest

    Prominent Tunisian opposition figure Chaima Issa has initiated a hunger strike in protest of alleged violent treatment during her arrest on Saturday, as reported by local media outlets. The human rights activist, according to her family, sustained a foot injury requiring medical attention during the detention process.

    Issa’s arrest came to enforce a 20-year prison sentence delivered last Friday through a controversial mass trial appeal verdict. This judicial proceeding resulted in sentences ranging up to 45 years for dozens of government critics accused of “conspiracy against state security” and “affiliation with terrorist organizations.” The trial has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights organizations who characterize it as politically motivated and emblematic of a systematic campaign to suppress dissent.

    The case involves 37 defendants, primarily detained since early 2023, who faced charges including meetings with foreign diplomats. The initial April trial concluded after merely three hearings without closing arguments, delivering severe sentences up to 66 years imprisonment. During Friday’s appeal, Issa’s sentence was increased from 18 to 20 years, mirroring similar enhancements for other notable opposition figures including Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj and Issam Chebbi.

    Issa was apprehended during a downtown Tunis demonstration protesting the escalating suppression of dissent under President Kais Saied’s administration. Her lawyer, Samir Dilou, described to AFP how “plainclothes officers grabbed her and pushed her inside a vehicle” during the protest, questioning the necessity of such forceful methods given her previous compliance with judicial proceedings.

    The current political climate traces back to President Saied’s 2021 constitutional coup that consolidated executive power. Since then, international and local NGOs have documented significant regression in rights and freedoms within the North African nation that sparked the Arab Spring. Numerous government critics have faced prosecution under terrorism charges and a 2022 presidential decree prohibiting “spreading false news.”

    Issa, a journalist and activist who participated in the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, co-founded the Citizens Against the Coup collective and serves with the National Salvation Front (NSF). This primary opposition coalition, established around the Ennahda party that previously dominated post-revolution politics, has faced severe repression with its leader Rached Ghannouchi currently serving a cumulative 37-year sentence.

    In a related development, co-defendant Jawhar Ben Mbarek suspended his 33-day hunger strike against what he termed “unjust” detention, citing encouragement from recent pro-democracy demonstrations. Mbarek’s health deteriorated severely during his strike, requiring eight hospitalizations and allegedly suffering violent force-feeding incidents that prompted formal torture complaints.

    Tunisian political prisoners have consistently denounced prison mistreatment alongside judicial unfairness, regularly reporting humiliation and harassment within the correctional system.

  • Arsenal must hunt Brentford win ‘like animals’, Arteta says

    Arsenal must hunt Brentford win ‘like animals’, Arteta says

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a rallying cry to both players and supporters ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Premier League encounter against Brentford, demanding they approach the match with animal-like intensity. This comes as the league leaders grapple with mounting injury concerns that threaten to derail their title ambitions.

    Following two draws in their last three matches, including Sunday’s 1-1 stalemate against a 10-man Chelsea, Arsenal’s momentum has stalled despite maintaining a five-point advantage at the summit. Arteta emphasized the critical nature of the fixture, specifically calling for a electrifying atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.

    “This represents a massive opportunity tomorrow at 7:30 PM GMT,” Arteta stated during Tuesday’s press conference. “Every single person must be at the Emirates, bouncing and generating relentless energy to secure victory. We need to hunt this win with animal instinct.”

    The Spanish manager dismissed concerns about motivation, citing the team’s Premier League position as sufficient incentive. “Our drive stems from meticulous preparation and striving for superiority over opponents. Our league standing provides all the motivation we require,” he added.

    However, Arsenal’s campaign faces significant challenges with a deepening injury crisis. Central defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard remain doubtful after missing the Chelsea clash, while Gabriel and Kai Havertz are still weeks from returning to action.

    Arteta acknowledged the severity of the situation, particularly describing the defensive and forward line issues as the worst he’s encountered. “We’ve had players out of position throughout this season. The injury situation in certain areas, especially our frontline and now our defensive line, has been exceptionally challenging,” he confessed.

    The manager indicated that the club has learned from past experiences, developing a more adaptable squad. “We’ve constructed a more reliable roster with greater options. Our previous struggles taught us the necessity of utilizing players in multiple positions to remain competitive at the highest level,” Arteta concluded.

  • UAE weather tomorrow: Partly cloudy conditions; fog, mist likely

    UAE weather tomorrow: Partly cloudy conditions; fog, mist likely

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have forecasted partly cloudy weather conditions for December 3rd, with potential visibility disruptions expected overnight. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, low cloud formations will predominantly affect coastal regions and islands throughout Wednesday.

    The weather pattern indicates increased humidity levels along coastal and internal areas, with fog and mist development anticipated during nighttime hours extending into Thursday morning. These conditions may create challenging visibility for early morning commuters and maritime activities.

    Wind patterns will remain light to moderate, blowing from southeasterly to northwesterly directions at speeds ranging from 10-20 km/h, occasionally reaching peaks of 30 km/h. Maritime conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are projected to remain calm with slight wave activity.

    The meteorological center continues to monitor developing conditions and advises residents, particularly those in coastal regions, to exercise caution during early morning travel due to reduced visibility from fog formation. The weather pattern follows typical seasonal transitions characteristic of the UAE’s winter meteorological profile.

  • Some Irish officers to get tasers in new six-month pilot scheme

    Some Irish officers to get tasers in new six-month pilot scheme

    The Irish government has approved a groundbreaking six-month pilot program to equip approximately 128 frontline gardaí with conducted energy weapons (tasers), marking a significant shift in policing methodology in the Republic of Ireland. The initiative, presented to the Cabinet by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, will deploy the devices to officers already trained in body-worn camera usage across Dublin, Waterford, and Kilkenny.

    This development represents a notable departure from Ireland’s longstanding tradition of largely unarmed policing, where currently only specialized armed response units routinely carry weapons. Tánaiste Simon Harris justified the measure by highlighting escalating dangers faced by officers, stating that ‘brave men and women who put on their uniform every day are often faced now with increased levels of abuse on the streets, levels of attacks.’

    The Garda Representative Association has enthusiastically endorsed the program, with Vice President Niall Hodgins noting approximately 1,000 assaults on officers occurred last year, including 300 classified as serious. He emphasized that tasers could ‘contribute to the deescalation of the more violent and aggressive encounters that our members are experiencing year-on-year.’

    However, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has expressed profound reservations, with Director Joe O’Brien characterizing the move as a ‘complete step change’ from established policing principles. The civil rights organization questions the evidentiary basis for the initiative, noting tasers are not ‘effective de-escalation tools in all situations’ and ironically suggesting they are not the ‘Christmas gift Gardaí need.’ The pilot program’s implementation methodology and evaluation criteria remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny from civil liberties advocates.

  • Revealed: Trump administration issued US visa for sanctioned ICC deputy prosecutor

    Revealed: Trump administration issued US visa for sanctioned ICC deputy prosecutor

    In a significant diplomatic development, the Trump administration issued a special visa last month to Nazhat Shameem Khan, a sanctioned deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), enabling her to brief the UN Security Council on Libya’s situation. This exception highlights the complex interplay between US foreign policy and international legal obligations.

    Ms. Khan, alongside fellow deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, faced US sanctions imposed in August 2020. These measures targeted ICC officials involved in investigations concerning American and Israeli personnel. The sanctions freeze assets, restrict global financial access, and limit travel capabilities for affected individuals.

    The visa authorization specifically permitted Khan’s entry solely for the November 25 Security Council session at UN headquarters, reflecting similar accommodations previously extended to former ICC prosecutor Fatouh Bensouda in 2019. This limited access operates under the UN-US host country agreement, which requires allowing sanctioned officials to fulfill UN-related duties.

    This development occurs amid escalating tensions between the US and ICC. The Trump administration has threatened further sanctions against the court itself, potentially jeopardizing its operational capacity. In February 2020, the US imposed financial and visa restrictions on Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan regarding arrest warrant pursuits against Israeli leadership.

    During her UN address, Khan reported progress in Libyan justice efforts, citing the recent transfer of alleged war criminal Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri to ICC custody. Simultaneously, at the Assembly of State Parties meeting in The Hague, Khan acknowledged the personal challenges posed by sanctions while affirming the ICC’s continued operations, including the Palestine investigation.

    The ICC is implementing countermeasures against sanctions, including pursuing technological sovereignty by seeking alternatives to US-based cloud services. Court President Tomoko Akane revealed that nine ICC officials now face sanctions alongside terrorists and drug traffickers, causing significant personal and operational difficulties.

    Deputy Prosecutor Niang emphasized that such pressure ultimately strengthens the court’s resolve, stating: ‘This pressure, personal or institutional, has strengthened instead of weakened our conviction in the noble mission of this court.’ The ongoing confrontation represents unprecedented challenges to international justice mechanisms while testing the boundaries of diplomatic engagements between global powers and international institutions.

  • Host of birthday party in California mistook gunfire for balloons popping

    Host of birthday party in California mistook gunfire for balloons popping

    A joyous second birthday celebration in Stockton, California, descended into unimaginable horror when gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons, killing four attendees and injuring eleven others in what authorities describe as a targeted attack.

    Patrice Williams, the mother hosting the celebration, initially mistook the gunfire for popping balloons from earlier decorations. The reality proved far more tragic: her daughter’s birthday party became the scene of one of California’s deadliest recent shootings. “I don’t know what happened, and I’m just so shocked and lost,” Williams told Associated Press reporters amid the devastation.

    The victims included three children—ages 8, 9, and 14—along with a 21-year-old adult. Among the injured were Williams’ other daughter, a cousin, and three family friends. Witnesses reported that the shooting began inside the banquet hall as approximately 100 guests gathered around the birthday cake, eventually spilling onto the street outside.

    San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow confirmed investigators believe multiple shooters conducted the assault with automatic weapons, stating confidently that “this was not a random act.” The perpetrators remain at large despite an extensive manhunt involving local police, FBI agents, and federal agencies.

    The transformed crime scene—formerly decorated with rainbow-colored balloons and a swan-shaped bounce house—now represents another data point in Stockton’s troubling rise in violent crime. The broader San Joaquin Valley region recorded California’s highest violent crime rate in 2023 according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

    In the aftermath, community members held vigil while officials offered growing rewards for information leading to arrests. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi issued a stark warning to those responsible: “You will never see the outside of a prison cell again.”

    California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the state capitol flown at half-staff to honor the victims, including 8-year-old Maya Lupian—a karate purple belt who excelled academically—and 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a promising athlete with college aspirations. Peterson’s father heartbreakingly revealed his 9-year-old daughter survived by fleeing through a back doorway and scaling a fence.

    The tragedy has left families transitioning from planning birthdays to planning funerals, with many survivors too fearful to publicly identify themselves amid concerns about retaliation from the still-unknown assailants.

  • Landmark reached in construction of Jintang Undersea Tunnel

    Landmark reached in construction of Jintang Undersea Tunnel

    A monumental engineering achievement has been reached in the construction of the Jintang Undersea Tunnel, currently positioned to become the world’s longest subsea high-speed railway passage. The “Dinghai” Shield Machine, a colossal tunneling apparatus, has successfully surpassed the 5,000-meter excavation mark, representing a critical advancement in this groundbreaking infrastructure project.

    This engineering milestone occurred at the Zhoushan construction site of the ambitious Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway initiative. The recent breakthrough indicates that approximately 80% of the 6,270-meter shield tunnel section on the Zhoushan side has now been completed, bringing the project significantly closer to its final implementation.

    The Jintang Undersea Tunnel constitutes one of the most technologically demanding components of China’s expanding railway network. This massive undertaking demonstrates remarkable progress in underwater tunneling capabilities and high-speed rail technology. The tunnel’s completion will establish a crucial transportation link beneath the ocean floor, enhancing connectivity between Ningbo and Zhoushan while setting new global benchmarks for underwater rail infrastructure.

    Engineering teams have overcome substantial technical challenges associated with deep-water tunneling, including pressure management, geological uncertainties, and precision engineering requirements. The successful progression of the Dinghai Shield Machine underscores significant advancements in tunneling technology and project management capabilities within the infrastructure sector.

    Upon completion, this engineering marvel will substantially reduce travel times between the connected regions while providing a robust transportation alternative that could transform regional economic dynamics and transportation logistics across Eastern China.

  • National Guard shooting suspect charged with murder

    National Guard shooting suspect charged with murder

    Federal prosecutors have formally brought murder charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan refugee accused of killing one National Guard soldier and critically wounding another in a shooting incident near the White House last Wednesday. The attack has triggered significant policy responses from the Trump administration regarding asylum procedures.

    According to detailed criminal complaints, the violent encounter occurred approximately 2:15 p.m. when Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, who were on patrol duty blocks from the White House. Security camera footage and eyewitness accounts indicate Lakanwal shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the assault and was attempting to reload his weapon when a Guard supervisor intervened, engaging him in a gunfight that ultimately left the suspect wounded.

    Both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and were rushed to emergency medical facilities. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries the following day, with an official autopsy confirming homicide as the manner of death. Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition, though West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey described his status as “positive” after the soldier showed responsiveness to medical prompts.

    Lakanwal, who appeared virtually from a hospital bed for arraignment, entered a plea of not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. A judge deemed the prosecution’s case “exceedingly strong” and ordered the suspect held without bond.

    Background investigations reveal Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 after collaborating with CIA operations in Afghanistan. His asylum request was granted earlier this year following concerns that Taliban forces would target individuals with U.S. affiliations. Officials confirmed he resided in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and five children.

    Recent documentation indicates concerning behavioral changes, with a social worker’s emails from last year noting Lakanwal had become increasingly withdrawn and isolated for weeks, suggesting potential mental health challenges.

    In response to the incident, the Trump administration has temporarily suspended all asylum decisions and initiated a comprehensive review of Afghan refugee vetting processes, highlighting national security implications and raising questions about refugee integration protocols.