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16 dead, 76 injured after 7.0-magnitude quake hits China’s Xizang

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16 dead, 76 injured after 7.0-magnitude quake hits China’s Xizang

XIZANG, China — At least 16 people have been killed and 76 others injured after a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu, in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, at 10:33 p.m. on Thursday, local authorities said.

The casualty figures were updated as of 1 p.m. Friday, according to a press conference held by the information office of the Nagqu municipal government.

READ MORE : Nearly 1,000 dead, thousands missing in Nepal–China border floods

More than 5,000 personnel have been deployed to the disaster-hit area to support search-and-rescue operations, provide medical assistance, establish temporary shelters and distribute essential supplies.

Rescue operations are continuing, with an emergency command headquarters established at the scene to coordinate relief efforts and manage the response.

Local authorities have intensified round-the-clock monitoring of potentially hazardous locations, including mountain slopes, reservoirs, power stations, rivers, structurally unsafe buildings and telecommunications base stations. Emergency repair work is also underway, with damaged power and telecommunications facilities gradually being restored.

Earthquake monitoring, meteorological and emergency management departments are working together to issue timely warnings about potential aftershocks and adverse weather conditions.

Police and transport authorities have inspected more than 1,700 kilometers of roads, 201 bridges and 324 culverts to ensure access for rescue teams and relief supplies. The inspections identified 11 potential hazards, while fallen rocks were cleared from seven sections of road, according to officials.

The Red Cross Society of China has dispatched a working team to the affected region to assist local relief operations. It has also allocated 3,800 sets of emergency supplies, including family relief kits, hygiene kits, heaters, tents, jackets, folding beds and quilts.

Meanwhile, the China Charity Federation has allocated 3 million yuan (approximately $446,561) to support emergency rescue and relief operations.

Rescue teams and local authorities continue to coordinate efforts to assist affected residents, assess damage and restore essential services across the earthquake-hit area.

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Brook smashes fastest ODI double century, but Sri Lanka steal the show with stunning win

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Brook smashes fastest ODI double century, but Sri Lanka steal the show with stunning win

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — Sri Lanka pulled off a sensational run chase to defeat England by two wickets, scoring 430-8 to complete the second-highest successful chase in One-Day International (ODI) history on Thursday.

Janith Liyanage smashed a six off the penultimate ball to seal the remarkable victory, overshadowing England captain Harry Brook’s record-breaking double century.

READ MORE : Sanju Samson’s blazing 67 leads India to a four-wicket win over New Zealand

Chasing a daunting target of 430, Sri Lanka held their nerve despite losing two wickets to fast bowler Josh Tongue in the final over. Needing eight runs from the last six balls, Liyanage delivered under pressure, finishing unbeaten on 61 off just 27 deliveries to guide his side home at 430-8.

Earlier, Brook produced a stunning innings of 202 off 116 balls, recording the fastest double century in ODI history and becoming the first England batter to score an ODI double hundred. His explosive knock powered England to a massive 429-4 after Sri Lanka elected to bowl first.

Brook struck 21 fours and 10 sixes as England posted their first-ever 400-plus ODI total in Pakistan.

However, Sri Lanka responded with an extraordinary batting display of their own, led by Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 130, and valuable contributions from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka, who both made 97.

Sri Lanka suffered an early setback at 24-2 before Rathnayake and Fernando rebuilt the innings with a crucial 166-run partnership for the third wicket.

Rathnayake then joined forces with Shanaka to accelerate the chase, putting together a blistering 133-run stand off just 79 balls to keep Sri Lanka firmly in contention.

Rathnayake struck 15 fours and three sixes, while Shanaka smashed eight sixes and six fours in a powerful counterattack against England’s bowling attack.

Liyanage then took charge in the closing stages, delivering the decisive blows to complete one of the most remarkable run chases in ODI cricket.

South Africa remain the record holders for the highest successful ODI chase, having chased down 435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006.

Despite Brook’s historic individual performance, Sri Lanka’s collective batting effort proved decisive in a high-scoring thriller in Rawalpindi.

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Canada and Türkiye Launch Strategic Partnership to Boost Trade, Defence and Energy Cooperation

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Canada and Türkiye Launch Strategic Partnership to Boost Trade, Defence and Energy Cooperation

ANKARA, Türkiye — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have announced the launch of a Canada–Türkiye Strategic Partnership, supported by a three-year action plan aimed at strengthening trade, investment, defence, energy security and people-to-people ties.

The announcement came during Carney’s two-day visit to Türkiye, as Canada seeks to diversify its international economic partnerships and reduce its dependence on the United States.

READ MORE : Uzbekistan and US sign Artemis accords on Moon and deep-space exploration

“In an increasingly complex global security environment, rising geopolitical uncertainties, and evolving humanitarian challenges, a strong and resilient Canada-Türkiye partnership is essential, providing a foundation to mitigate shared threats and capitalise on new opportunities,” the two leaders said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Building on 83 years of diplomatic relations, the partnership aims to deepen cooperation between the two NATO allies across four key pillars: trade, investment and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defence and security; and government dialogue and people-to-people relations.

Trade, Investment and Innovation

Under the agreement, Canada and Türkiye will work towards successfully concluding a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, with the aim of expanding economic ties and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The leaders also agreed to increase bilateral trade and investment in priority sectors, including energy supplies, defence production, aerospace and artificial intelligence (AI).

Other priorities include advancing the Canada–Türkiye Air Transport Agreement, strengthening cooperation between trade and export agencies, exploring opportunities in third-country markets and promoting collaboration between innovation ecosystems.

Defence and Security Cooperation

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, including through NATO.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in support of peace and security across the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond, particularly in Ukraine, the South Caucasus and the Middle East, including Gaza.

The partnership includes plans to expand collaboration between the two countries’ defence industries, building on a memorandum of understanding between Global Affairs Canada and Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries.

Canada and Türkiye will also explore ways to strengthen mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition.

Energy Security and Climate Cooperation

Energy cooperation will be another central pillar, with both countries seeking to advance collaboration in liquefied natural gas (LNG), civil nuclear energy, renewable energy, clean technologies and critical energy infrastructure.

The two governments will encourage investment in the energy sector, strengthen dialogue between nuclear industry stakeholders and deepen cooperation on sustainable mining and critical mineral supply chains.

The agreement also prioritises climate resilience, environmental protection and the development of clean technologies.

Canada welcomed Türkiye’s role as host and president of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026.

Annual Strategic Dialogue and Closer Bilateral Ties

The partnership will establish an annual Canada–Türkiye Strategic Dialogue to oversee progress and coordinate cooperation on shared priorities.

The two countries also agreed to continue annual Joint Economic and Trade Committee meetings, alongside political-military and counterterrorism consultations. Additional measures will focus on consular affairs, migration, travel and mobility, cultural exchanges and engagement with diaspora communities.

Carney and Erdoğan agreed that their foreign ministers would oversee implementation of the three-year action plan, with the goal of deepening bilateral relations, promoting international security and supporting prosperous, sustainable and green economies.

Carney thanked the Turkish government for its warm hospitality during his visit, which the joint statement described as the first visit by a head of government between the two countries. Türkiye also welcomed an invitation for Erdoğan to visit Canada at a mutually convenient time.

The new strategic partnership marks a significant step in Canada–Türkiye relations, with both governments seeking to broaden economic cooperation, strengthen defence ties and build more resilient international partnerships amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.

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Russian missiles pound Kyiv as Moscow says over 800 Ukrainian drones downed

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Russian missiles pound Kyiv as Moscow says over 800 Ukrainian drones downed

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched a massive overnight barrage of ballistic missiles against Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, Ukrainian officials said Thursday. Meanwhile, Russia’s military claimed its air defenses intercepted more than 800 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow and other cities.

READ MORE : A Russian missile and drone barrage kills at least 14 in Ukraine’s Kyiv region

The attacks came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed “in principle” to resume trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States, raising fresh questions about prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough.

“Russia has not changed the way it wages this war, and it is taking no steps that would signal a genuine desire to end it,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following the strikes.

Putin’s agreement came during talks in St. Petersburg with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. Witkoff had described a “new momentum” toward peace following his meeting with Zelenskyy in Norway on Tuesday. The proposed negotiations are expected to begin after November 10, although no specific date has been announced.

Previous rounds of technical discussions involving the three countries took place in the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland in January and February. Those talks reportedly yielded limited progress beyond prisoner exchanges, with Moscow and Kyiv remaining far apart on the terms for ending the war.

Zelenskyy said Washington had proposed the United Arab Emirates as a possible venue for the next round of negotiations. He has maintained that a meeting between national leaders may be necessary to break the deadlock.

Russian Strikes Kill Civilians and Damage Kyiv Infrastructure

Russian aerial attacks struck 12 Ukrainian regions overnight, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, including five children, Zelenskyy said.

In Lozova, in the northeastern Kharkiv region, two women aged 50 and 60 were killed in a Russian strike on a market, according to regional military administration chief Oleh Syniehubov. Another person was killed in separate attacks in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported.

Kyiv endured an hourslong barrage involving 21 ballistic missiles launched in three waves, according to Zelenskyy. The strikes damaged apartment buildings, energy facilities, a railway station, parts of the metro system, shopping malls and businesses. One person was killed in the capital.

Zelenskyy also said three of the ballistic missiles carried cluster munitions, which disperse numerous smaller explosive bomblets over a wide area.

Ukraine Warns of Intensifying Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

The latest bombardment has heightened concerns as Ukraine prepares for the winter months, when freezing temperatures increase demand for electricity, heating and water supplies.

Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of systematically targeting energy infrastructure in an effort to disrupt essential services for civilians. Kyiv says Moscow is stockpiling ballistic missiles for another winter campaign, a strategy Ukrainians have described as “weaponizing winter.”

Since October 11, Russia has launched 170 attacks against Ukraine’s critical energy facilities, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president has urged Washington to provide additional Patriot air-defense ammunition and impose further sanctions on Moscow. He warned that reduced military assistance and easing economic pressure could encourage Russia to continue its campaign.

“Russia is clearly taking advantage of the slowdown in air defense supplies from our partners,” Zelenskyy said. He added that easing pressure on Moscow could reinforce Putin’s belief that Russia can achieve its objectives.

Putin Considers Attending G20 Summit in Miami

The developments come amid continued diplomatic efforts by Washington to bring the conflict toward a negotiated settlement.

Western analysts have argued that Putin seeks to negotiate Ukraine’s future directly with Washington while limiting the involvement of Kyiv and European governments. The Trump administration’s approach toward European allies has also drawn criticism.

Despite the prospect of renewed negotiations, the latest missile strikes underscore the significant obstacles facing efforts to secure a ceasefire or lasting peace agreement.

Russia and Ukraine have yet to bridge their fundamental differences over the conditions for ending the war, while continued attacks on cities and energy infrastructure threaten to deepen the humanitarian crisis.

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Sanju Samson’s blazing 67 leads India to a four-wicket win over New Zealand

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Sanju Samson’s blazing 67 leads India to a four-wicket win over New Zealand

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Sanju Samson smashed a breathtaking 67 off just 33 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s 225-5 to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory in the first of five Twenty20 internationals on Thursday.

Samson’s explosive knock laid the foundation for India’s record-breaking chase of 230-6, surpassing their previous highest successful T20 run chase of 211 against Sri Lanka in 2009. India sealed the victory with two balls to spare.

READ MORE : Prachi Tokas Books Semifinal Spot, Puts India on the medal board in Montenegro

Opening the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson helped India race to 93 runs in just 5.5 overs. He reached his half-century in 23 balls, launching four towering sixes into the stands at Hagley Oval as a crowd dominated by Indian supporters erupted in celebration.

Sharma contributed 29 off 12 deliveries, including three sixes, as India surged to 94-1 in the six-over powerplay, comfortably surpassing New Zealand’s 65-1 at the same stage.

Earlier, Glenn Phillips produced a brilliant unbeaten 82 off 40 balls to propel New Zealand to a formidable total of 225-5 after the hosts were asked to bat first. His innings featured eight fours and three sixes, giving India a challenging target.

New Zealand fought back after introducing spin, with Michael Bracewell dismissing Sharma in the sixth over before Mitchell Santner removed Samson in the ninth. India subsequently slipped to 122-4, briefly raising hopes of a home-team comeback.

Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 42, while Axar Patel added 24 to steady the innings with a 45-run partnership for the fifth wicket. With 55 runs required from the final five overs, Naman Dhir delivered a decisive finishing performance, smashing 42 off just 15 balls at a remarkable strike rate of 280.

India needed eight runs from the final over bowled by Matt Henry. Dhir struck the opening delivery for four, followed by two singles, before launching a six to complete the chase and seal a memorable victory.

New Zealand had made an aggressive start with Finn Allen scoring 45 and Tim Seifert adding 24 in an opening partnership of 49 during the first five overs. Daryl Mitchell contributed 28, while Bevon Jacobs scored 31 to maintain the scoring momentum before Phillips’ late assault lifted the hosts to 225-5.

Despite arriving in New Zealand only on Tuesday and completing just one training session, India showed little sign of fatigue as they produced a remarkable batting display.

Reflecting on the victory, Samson said: “When you are just in the moment when the match has been won, I think whatever contributions you make it always feels good to end up on the winning side. It was really a team game today.”

Samson’s innings further underlined his outstanding T20 form, marking his eighth score of 50 or more in 26 T20 innings this year.

The victory gives India an early advantage in the five-match series and sets the stage for an exciting contest against New Zealand.

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Bukele announces military operation to rescue Salvadorans held by gangs in Haiti

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Bukele announces military operation to rescue Salvadorans held by gangs in Haiti

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said Wednesday that he had launched a military operation to rescue four Salvadoran aviation technicians kidnapped by gangs in Haiti, warning of a stronger response if the men are not released alive and unharmed.

The four technicians have been missing since Sunday, when gangs opened fire on an armored vehicle in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets, near Port-au-Prince. The vehicle caught fire, forcing the men to flee, according to the report. The attack came just days after an international gang suppression force began operations in the violence-stricken Caribbean nation.

READ MORE : El Salvador’s President Bukele Meets Trump in Oval Office to Discuss Deportation and Security Ties

Addressing Haitian gang leaders in a post on X, Bukele demanded the immediate release of the four men, warning that failure to comply would trigger a more forceful operation.

“Today’s attack is nothing compared to what is coming if they do not release the four hostages alive. And do not take our words as empty threats,” Bukele wrote.

He added that if the technicians were returned “alive, unharmed,” the situation would return to the way it was before the kidnapping.

It remained unclear whether Bukele was referring to further action by Salvadoran forces, Haitian security personnel or the multinational gang suppression force operating in the country.

Bukele, who has drawn international attention for his controversial crackdown on gangs in El Salvador, also shared video showing armored vehicles with shattered windows moving through clouds of smoke.

Haiti’s government said Wednesday evening that securing the release of the abducted technicians was an “absolute priority.” Officials met at the prime minister’s office to assess ongoing security operations and determine additional measures in coordination with the Gang Repression Force.

“The release of the abducted soldiers is an absolute priority, and all necessary resources are being mobilized to achieve this goal,” the government said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear whether Haitian authorities had received confirmation that the four Salvadorans were still alive. A spokesperson for the gang suppression force did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bukele said the men were aviation technicians and emphasized that El Salvador’s mission in Haiti consisted exclusively of pilots and technical personnel whose primary responsibility was conducting medical evacuations, not combat operations.

The U.N.-backed multinational force continues to confront armed gangs in the area where Sunday’s attack occurred. Authorities have warned residents to remain indoors as security operations continue.

No group had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of the report. The incident highlights the continuing influence of armed gangs in Haiti as the country prepares for its first general election in more than a decade. Gangs are estimated to control around 70% of Port-au-Prince.

El Salvador is among several countries contributing personnel to the international gang suppression mission, alongside countries including Chad, Jamaica and Guatemala. More than 2,000 personnel are reportedly deployed in Haiti.

In 2025, the United Nations approved an initial deployment framework allowing up to 5,550 security personnel and more than 50 civilian staff to support efforts to dismantle armed gangs.

Earlier in October, El Salvador passed legislation extending its armed forces’ participation in the mission for another year. The law also authorized the deployment of civilian and military personnel according to operational requirements, expanding the mission’s scope beyond the medical evacuation role outlined in the previous decree.

The U.N. Security Council extended the multinational force’s mandate by at least six months, through March 2027.

Gang violence has displaced nearly 1.5 million people in Haiti in recent years. According to the United Nations, more than 5,700 people were killed or injured between January and mid-September, while more than 230 people were kidnapped during the period.

The area where the armored vehicle was attacked is reportedly controlled by several gangs, including Chèn Méchan, Kraze Barye, led by Vitelhomme Innocent, and 400 Mawozo, led by Lanmo Sanjou. Both Innocent and Sanjou have been sanctioned by the United Nations and the United States.

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Prachi Tokas Books Semifinal Spot, Puts India on the medal board in Montenegro

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Prachi Tokas Books Semifinal Spot, Puts India on the medal board in Montenegro

BUDVA, Montenegro – Prachi Tokas has assured India of its first medal at the U-19 World Boxing Championships in Budva, Montenegro, after defeating Samoa’s Kealey Perez to reach the women’s 80kg-plus semifinals.

In a quarterfinal bout late Tuesday, the Asian U-19 silver medallist dominated all three rounds against Perez, who won gold at the U-19 World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok earlier this year.

Prachi will next face Russia’s Samira Itonieva in the semifinals, as she looks to advance to the title bout.

Meanwhile, Harshika and Lakshu recorded contrasting victories in their pre-quarterfinal bouts, moving within one win of securing medals for India. Harshika defeated Australia’s Tiana Rew 4-0 in the women’s 65kg category, while Lakshu edged past Turkey’s Buse Nur Yahan 3-2 in the women’s 70kg division.

In the men’s 90kg category, Dhruv suffered a 0-3 defeat against Poland’s Aleksander Sikora. Aman, however, delivered a dominant performance, winning all three rounds against Popovic to secure a 5-0 victory. He will face Georgia’s Shalva Beridze in the quarterfinals.

Earlier, Mausam Suhag booked his place in the men’s 65kg round of 16 with a commanding 5-0 win over Italy’s Giuseppe Cavallo. He will now take on Turkey’s Mehmet Enes Sanli for a place in the quarterfinals.

India also suffered a setback in the men’s 60kg category, with Shivam losing to Serbia’s Nikola Bogatinoski by a referee-stopped contest (RSC) late on Sunday.

On Monday, Aditya and Tridev secured contrasting victories in the second round of their respective weight categories to advance to the pre-quarterfinals.

Aditya defeated the United States’ Christian Paez by RSC in the men’s 55kg category after his opponent received two counts in each of the first two rounds.

Tridev, meanwhile, edged past Poland’s Kajetan Bajzert 3-2 in the men’s 85kg category. In a closely contested bout, the Indian maintained his advantage by winning all three rounds on the scorecards of three of the five judges.

With Prachi already assured of a medal, India will look to build on the momentum as its young boxers continue their campaign at the championships in Montenegro.

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Foreign visitors’ spending in Japan hits record ¥7 trillion in January–September

Kyung An
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Foreign visitors’ spending in Japan hits record ¥7 trillion in January–September

TOKYO, Japan – Spending by foreign visitors to Japan reached a record ¥7.06 trillion (approximately US$45 billion) in the nine months through September, the Japan Tourism Agency said Wednesday.

The figure, which includes spending on shopping, accommodation and other services, marked a 1.9% increase from the same period a year earlier.

READ MORE : Prosecutors seek 5-yr prison term for pastor over courthouse riot

From July through September, visitor spending rose 3.2% year-on-year to ¥2.2 trillion. Taiwan topped the list of spending by country and region, contributing ¥382 billion, followed by China at ¥358 billion.

Average spending per foreign visitor during the July–September quarter reached ¥233,677, up 6.1% from a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the number of foreign visitors to Japan fell 2.9% year-on-year to 30.73 million during the January–September period, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

South Korea led visitor arrivals during the first nine months, with 8.3 million visitors, up 21.6% from a year earlier. Taiwan ranked second with 6 million visitors, an increase of 19.1%, followed by China with 3.3 million and the United States with 2.5 million, up 5.2%. Hong Kong accounted for 2 million visitors, an increase of 7.7%.

In September alone, Japan welcomed 3.1 million foreign visitors, down 5.0% from the same month last year. Arrivals from China fell 44.5% to 430,800, marking the 10th consecutive month of year-on-year decline.

The January–September period recorded the first decline in visitor arrivals for those nine months since 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted international travel.

The decline in Chinese arrivals comes amid strained relations between Beijing and Tokyo following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks in November suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a response from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces in support of the United States.

Despite the overall decline in visitor numbers, spending by foreign tourists continued to grow, reaching a record level for the January–September period and underscoring inbound tourism’s economic importance to Japan.

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Prosecutors seek 5-yr prison term for pastor over courthouse riot

Kyung An
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Prosecutors seek 5-yr prison term for pastor over courthouse riot

SEOUL, South Korea – Prosecutors on Wednesday sought a five-year prison sentence for conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon over his alleged role in a courthouse riot last year involving supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office requested the sentence during a hearing at the Seoul Western District Court, where Jeon faces multiple charges, including inciting trespassing in buildings designated for special protection.

READ MORE : South Korean president Lee to visit France for Lumière summit, hold film talks with Macron

Jeon is accused of instigating violence by pro-Yoon protesters at the court on January 19 last year, following a decision to extend Yoon’s detention over his December 2024 declaration of martial law.

Prosecutors also charged Jeon with violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act and obstructing general traffic. They allege that he urged rally participants gathered at Gwanghwamun Square to march towards the court a day before the violence erupted.

The prosecution argued that attacking a court over dissatisfaction with judicial proceedings or verdicts constitutes a serious offence that undermines the rule of law. Prosecutors further alleged that Jeon encouraged protesters through YouTube broadcasts, urging them to exercise their right to resist.

The case comes amid continued scrutiny of the violence surrounding legal proceedings against Yoon and the actions of his supporters. Jeon’s alleged role in the unrest remains subject to judicial proceedings.

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Jailer 2 action director dismisses mohanlal body double rumours

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Jailer 2 action director dismisses mohanlal body double rumours

New Delhi, India – Nelson Dilipkumar’s Jailer 2 may have delighted Rajinikanth fans, but the film has sparked frustration among Mohanlal’s fans over the Malayalam superstar’s limited screen time and reportedly trimmed scenes. The controversy also fuelled speculation that a body double was used in key sequences, particularly a scene near the climax featuring Mohanlal alongside Rajinikanth. Now, action director Chethan Ramshi D’Souza has dismissed the rumours, while Mohanlal’s stand-in, Jobi Kodakara, has clarified his involvement in the film.

Action Director Clarifies Mohanlal’s Presence in Jailer 2

Chethan recently shared a joint Instagram post with cinematographer Vijay Kartik Kannan, thanking him for making the action sequences look impressive on screen in Jailer 2. In the comments, a fan questioned why Mohanlal’s introduction appeared to have been trimmed and whether the actor himself had performed in a car scene or a body double had been used.

Responding to the speculation about the car scene, Chethan offered a brief clarification: “It’s him,” dismissing claims that Mohanlal had been replaced by a double in the sequence.

Mohanlal Fans Express Frustration Over Screen Time

The clarification comes amid growing disappointment among Mohanlal’s fans over his limited screen presence in the Rajinikanth-led sequel. The controversy intensified after the actor’s stylist and costume designer reportedly expressed displeasure over scenes featuring the superstar being cut from the big-budget production.

Fans subsequently voiced their anger on social media, with some demanding a public apology from director Nelson Dilipkumar and producer Sun Pictures. Questions also emerged over whether Mohanlal appeared personally in every scene featuring his character, Mathew.

Jobi Kodakara Confirms He Served as Mohanlal’s Stand-In

Amid the debate, mimicry artist Jobi Kodakara revealed that he served as a stand-in for Mohanlal in Jailer 2. Sharing a photograph of himself wearing a shirt similar to the one worn by Mohanlal in the film, Jobi expressed his happiness at being part of the project.

His involvement as a stand-in, however, does not establish that Mohanlal was replaced in the disputed car scene. Chethan’s clarification directly addresses that speculation, stating that Mohanlal himself appeared in the sequence.

The discussion surrounding Jailer 2 continues to highlight fans’ expectations regarding Mohanlal’s role in the sequel, with his screen time and the use of stand-ins becoming major talking points among viewers.

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