Turkish prosecutors have filed a nearly 4,000-page indictment against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, seeking a staggering prison sentence of over 2,000 years. The charges, revealed in court documents on Tuesday, include allegations of running a criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, extortion, and tender rigging. Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested on March 19 and is described in the indictment as manipulating a widespread criminal network ‘like an octopus.’ The CHP has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of targeting Imamoglu following the opposition’s success in the 2024 local elections. Since his arrest, several other CHP mayors, officials, and politicians have also been detained, sparking widespread protests and accusations of politically motivated actions. Authorities have responded by detaining nearly 2,000 people, most of whom were later released. In a separate case last month, a court in Ankara dismissed a corruption case against CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, calling it ‘moot.’ Ozel reaffirmed that Imamoglu remains the party’s candidate for the next presidential election, denouncing the charges as baseless and politically driven. ‘His only crime is running for the presidency of this country!’ Ozel declared in a passionate address to parliament.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Exhibition highlights historical and cultural roots of Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao
A groundbreaking exhibition at the Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou is shedding light on the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Titled ‘Love and Memory of the Greater Bay Area – Historical and Cultural Relics of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Since the 19th Century,’ the event opened on November 11 and will continue until March 8. Featuring over 350 cultural artifacts, the exhibition chronicles the social, economic, and cultural evolution of the Greater Bay Area over the past century. These relics illustrate how the three regions, despite geographical separation, have preserved a shared ancestry, traditions, and cultural bonds. The exhibition emphasizes that ‘Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao’ is not just a geographical term but a symbol of identity and a vital link that connects Hong Kong and Macao to mainland China through a shared heritage.
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Israel’s occupation and bombing of south Lebanon makes return home impossible
Residents of southern Lebanon face an unrelenting crisis as Israeli military strikes continue to target Hezbollah’s infrastructure, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, has issued urgent warnings on social media platform X, signaling imminent attacks. These messages have become a grim routine for families in border villages, who live in constant fear of displacement.
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China showcases latest advances in metrology at Hunan exhibition
The 2nd Metrology Instrumentation and Equipment Exhibition kicked off on Tuesday in Hengyang, Hunan province, showcasing the latest advancements in metrology technology. Organized by the China Metrology Association, the three-day event attracted over 230 exhibitors from across the nation, highlighting innovations in industrial metrology, instrument manufacturing, and smart laboratory solutions. Spanning 15,000 square meters, the exhibition also emphasized international collaboration in the field. A standout innovation was the high-voltage transformer wiring robot developed by the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co Ltd, which promises to enhance safety and efficiency in power infrastructure maintenance. The event underscores China’s commitment to advancing metrology technology and fostering global partnerships in the industry.
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DP World locks in landmark ten-year pledge to power the DP World Tour into a new era
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its long-term vision for global golf, DP World has announced a historic ten-year extension of its partnership with the DP World Tour. This landmark agreement, set to run until 2035, solidifies DP World’s role as the Title Partner and Official Logistics Partner of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, while also expanding its presence across 15 additional tournaments annually. The partnership, which began in 2022 with the rebranding of the European Tour to the DP World Tour, has already catalyzed unprecedented growth, with 42 tournaments spanning 26 countries, record prize funds, and a rapidly expanding global fan base. DP World’s commitment reflects its belief in golf’s potential to inspire, connect, and create opportunities worldwide. Initiatives like the DP World India Championship and sustainable projects such as the Second Life initiative, which repurposes shipping containers into training facilities, highlight the partnership’s focus on inclusivity and innovation. This collaboration, rooted in a shared vision since 2009, continues to redefine the future of golf, blending global trade with global sport to create a transformative impact.
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Tranquil Developers launches Blossom76 in JVC
Dubai’s real estate market is witnessing a surge in activity as developers capitalize on the growing interest in metro-linked areas. Tranquil Developers has recently launched Blossom76, a new residential project in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), strategically positioned to benefit from the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line. This development is part of a broader trend where infrastructure improvements are reshaping the city’s property landscape. The Blue Line, expected to connect key commercial and residential districts, is not just a transportation project but a catalyst for economic transformation. Dr. Sharad Nair, co-founder and chairman of Tranquil Developers, emphasized that the metro link is unlocking value in districts like JVC and redirecting investor focus toward emerging growth corridors. Aditya Khurana, co-founder and managing director, noted that buyers are increasingly prioritizing connected and community-based living, with proximity to metro routes becoming a critical factor for both end-users and investors. Industry reports highlight that off-plan transactions are driving activity in metro-connected zones, with average villa prices rising by 7.9% in the first half of 2025. Rental yields in JVC are projected to increase by 4.5% over the next year, supported by population growth and enhanced connectivity. Dubai’s property sector recorded Dh120 billion in residential sales in Q1 2025, marking an 18% year-on-year increase. Analysts attribute this growth partly to transport connectivity, with the Blue Line expected to improve accessibility across east and west Dubai, unlocking new demand in suburban communities. Tranquil Developers’ entry into JVC aligns with broader trends in Dubai’s property sector, where developers are responding to infrastructure expansion with targeted residential launches. As the Blue Line progresses, industry observers anticipate sustained demand in areas that integrate transport, affordability, and community living.
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Iraq: Muqtada al-Sadr urges boycott of ‘corrupt’ elections as low turnout expected
Iraq’s parliamentary elections commenced on Tuesday, marked by a subdued voter turnout and widespread calls for a boycott, notably from influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Over 7,740 candidates, including a significant proportion of women, are vying for 329 seats. Preliminary results are anticipated by Wednesday, though final confirmation may extend over several weeks, as seen in previous elections. Reports from AFP correspondents indicate a notably low voter presence at midday, likely influenced by Sadr’s appeal to abstain from voting. In a recent social media statement, Sadr criticized the electoral system for perpetuating the dominance of corrupt politicians, urging Iraqis to reject the status quo. Despite relative stability since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, persistent issues like corruption, inadequate public services, and infrastructure decay have eroded public trust in the electoral process. Sadr’s supporters dominated the 2021 elections, which recorded the lowest turnout since 2003, but withdrew from parliament in June 2022 following a government formation deadlock. Sadr and others advocate for a comprehensive overhaul of the parliamentary system, which is widely perceived as sectarian and clientelist. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani aims to retain his position, with his success hinging on the Coordination Framework, a dominant Shia alliance. Sudani has navigated Iraq through regional tensions, including the fallout from the Gaza conflict and the strained relations between the US and Iran. Armed groups linked to the Coordination Framework have targeted Israeli and US interests, demanding the withdrawal of American forces. A recent Reuters report highlighted a US-Iraq agreement to reduce the American military presence by September 2025. Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a key figure in the elections, opposes Sudani’s re-election and emphasizes resisting foreign interference. Maliki criticized Sadr’s boycott calls, underscoring the challenges in conducting the elections amidst various obstacles.
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New research by Nankai University offers hope to women affected by infertility
A groundbreaking study by Nankai University in Tianjin has uncovered a new biological target linked to female infertility, providing a potential breakthrough for women struggling with age-related or unexplained infertility. Published in *Cell Reports Medicine*, the research identifies excessive ribosomal activity in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells as a key factor in declining fertility after age 34. Ribosomes, often referred to as the ‘protein synthesis factories’ of cells, were found to disrupt normal cell function when overactive, accelerating ovarian aging and reducing embryonic quality. The study, led by Professor Liu Lin, highlights that this ribosomal hyperactivity not only affects oocytes but also causes degenerative changes in cumulus cells, further impairing fertility. To address this, the team tested rapamycin, a drug known to regulate cell growth, in mouse models. The treatment successfully restored protein balance, improved the ovarian microenvironment, and enhanced egg quality. Clinical trials confirmed that short-term, low-dose rapamycin administration enabled women with previous in vitro fertilization failures to achieve successful pregnancies and deliver healthy babies, with no observed negative effects on fetal or neonatal development. Wu Xueqing from Shanxi Children’s Hospital praised the findings as a significant step forward in understanding and treating age-related infertility. However, researchers emphasize the need for large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate the drug’s efficacy and optimize treatment protocols for individual patients.
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Chinese taste helps forge cooperation with Dubai
Chinese culinary preferences are increasingly shaping global partnerships, as evidenced by the recent release of Dianping’s 2025 Must-Eat List. This year, Dubai became the first Middle Eastern city to feature on the prestigious list, with ten local restaurants earning a spot. The list, which highlights high-quality dining experiences based on authentic user reviews, underscores the growing influence of Chinese diners on the global food scene. Since its inception in 2017, the Must-Eat List has expanded to over 3,000 cities worldwide, covering more than 100 million merchants. In 2024 alone, the platform garnered nearly 400 million user reviews, reflecting its widespread impact. The inclusion of Dubai on the list marks a significant milestone, driven by the increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting the UAE. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the city welcomed 824,000 Chinese tourists in 2024, a 31% increase from the previous year. This surge in tourism has been accompanied by a 500% rise in Chinese user reviews of Dubai’s cuisine over the past year. The selected restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, including Arabian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, African fusion, and American dishes. Shahab Shayan, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the Chinese market to Dubai’s tourism strategy. ‘China has always been one of Dubai’s most important source markets,’ he said. ‘Through our ‘China Ready’ strategy, we are committed to providing a seamless experience for Chinese visitors, from visa-free access to Mandarin-speaking services and convenient digital payments.’ The strategic partnership between Dubai and Meituan, the parent company of Dianping, aims to enhance the digital transformation of local food and tourism services. Ou Boqian, Chinese Consul-General in Dubai, highlighted the role of cuisine in fostering mutual understanding between China and the UAE. ‘This list helps people understand Dubai’s soul through its cuisine and fosters mutual understanding,’ she said. ‘We expect more Chinese enterprises like Meituan to bring technological and cultural innovation to the UAE, boosting bilateral relations.’ Beyond Dubai, the Must-Eat List expanded to 14 new cities, including Fukuoka, Sydney, and London, with first-time inclusions from the UAE, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The total number of selected restaurants increased by 50% year-on-year, with Hong Kong, Macao, Tokyo, Osaka, and Singapore leading the list. An Tianlei, responsible for Dianping’s Must-Eat List, noted that the list is tailored to Chinese diners’ tastes while showcasing global flavors. ‘We’ve also launched an English version of our app to help foreign diners explore Chinese cuisine, turning taste into a two-way cooperation tool,’ he said. Mao Fang, Vice-President of Meituan, emphasized the broader significance of the Must-Eat List. ‘The language of taste knows no borders,’ she said. ‘This list isn’t just about recommending restaurants. We aim to build a food bridge that strengthens cooperation and connections between China and the world, rooted in shared culinary appreciation.’
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UGC Season 3 Player Auction approaches amid heightened DP World Tour spotlight
As the global golfing community gears up for the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, featuring luminaries like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, the spotlight also shines brightly on Dubai’s social golf scene. The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 is poised to elevate the excitement with its upcoming Player Auction, scheduled for December 5, 2025, at The Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club. This event marks a pivotal moment for the UAE’s premier franchise-based team competition, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of the region’s golfing calendar. Season 3 promises to be the most ambitious yet, with an expanded roster of 160 players across 10 teams, each comprising 16 golfers, including a mandatory inclusion of at least two female players. The Player Auction will see team principals and mentors vying to secure eight new players while retaining eight from the previous season, ensuring a balanced mix of skill across low, mid, and high handicap categories. Players eager to participate must register by December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. Those not selected at the auction will receive a full refund. Kunal Seth, Commissioner of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, emphasized the urgency for players to register, stating, “With fewer than three weeks to go, players must act now to secure their spot in what promises to be the most inclusive and competitive season yet.” The tournament will kick off on February 5, 2026, at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and will continue across four rounds at premier Dubai courses, culminating on May 7 at the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club. The season will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony and an after-party, celebrating champions and standout performers. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, recognizing excellence, skill, and style on the course.