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Slovenian President and Moroccan FM Discuss Economic Cooperation, Global Crises, and Western Sahara

Shasi Kumar
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Slovenian President and Moroccan FM Discuss Economic Cooperation, Global Crises, and Western Sahara

Ljubljana, Slovenia — Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar hosted Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, on Friday for high-level discussions centered on expanding bilateral economic cooperation and addressing major international challenges, including the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Western Sahara.

RELATED NEWS : France Hosts Landmark Ukraine Talks With Marco Rubio, Ukrainian and European Leaders Amid Rising Tensions

The meeting emphasized the shared ambition to strengthen economic integration between Slovenia and Morocco, particularly in key sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, and technology. Both countries affirmed their commitment to advancing trade and investment opportunities as part of a broader strategic partnership.

Alongside economic matters, the talks also delved into the evolving global landscape. The leaders exchanged views on Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, reaffirming the importance of multilateral diplomacy in resolving such conflicts.

Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, join hands during a meeting in Ljubljana on April 18, 2025. Photo : via MEA

A major highlight of the day came during a joint press conference held in Ljubljana, where Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon reiterated her country’s support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative for Western Sahara. She described the plan as a “good basis for a final solution” to the regional conflict and praised Morocco’s “serious and credible efforts” to resolve the issue.

“Speaking at a press conference following a meeting in the Slovenian capital with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, Fajon also praised Morocco’s serious and credible efforts to settle the Moroccan Sahara issue,” the Slovenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Fajon reaffirmed Slovenia’s position as expressed in the Joint Declaration adopted during her official visit to Rabat on June 11, 2024. That declaration, both ministers agreed, serves as the benchmark for the renewed momentum in bilateral relations and formalizes Slovenia’s stance on the Moroccan Sahara.

In a statement following the talks, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the declaration “serves as a reference point for the new momentum in bilateral relations and reflects Slovenia’s stance on the regional conflict concerning the Moroccan Sahara.”

The two foreign ministers also underlined the central role of the United Nations in resolving the Western Sahara issue. They reaffirmed their support for the exclusivity of the UN-led political process and expressed their backing for relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including the latest, Resolution 2756 (2024).

Fajon further reiterated Slovenia’s long-standing commitment to a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise, in accordance with UN-led efforts.

The day’s meetings marked a significant step forward in Moroccan-Slovenian ties, not only economically but also diplomatically, as both countries strengthen their coordination on pressing global issues and regional stability.

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Deadliest U.S. Strike in Yemen Kills 74 at Red Sea Fuel Terminal, Houthis Say

Diplomat Times
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Deadliest U.S. Strike in Yemen Kills 74 at Red Sea Fuel Terminal, Houthis Say

ADEN/WASHINGTON — At least 74 people were killed and 171 others injured after U.S. airstrikes targeted Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel terminal on the Red Sea coast, in what Houthi officials described as the deadliest attack since Washington began its military campaign against the group last year.

The strike, carried out Thursday, hit a key fuel facility used by the Iran-aligned Houthis and came amid a broader escalation ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump last month — the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since he took office in January.

According to Yemen’s Houthi-run Health Ministry, rescue operations are ongoing as emergency crews continue to search for victims in the rubble. The U.S. military has confirmed the strike but has not commented on the reported death toll.

“The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement posted on X.

The Ras Isa terminal, located around 55 kilometers north of the port city of Hodeidah, has a fuel storage capacity of 3 million barrels and plays a critical role in Yemen’s fuel imports and distribution. Yemeni sources said the port also houses a significant military presence and has been previously used for launching drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Among the dead were employees of the Safer Oil Company and the Yemen Petroleum Company, which manage operations and oversee the distribution of fuel in the region.

The U.S. has accused the Houthis of using Yemen’s ports — including Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif — to funnel illicit fuel trade and finance militant operations. CENTCOM stated the strikes were intended to dismantle these financial networks and diminish the Houthis’ military capabilities in the Red Sea.

While the U.N. estimates these ports handle 70% of Yemen’s imports and 80% of its humanitarian aid, the U.S. and its allies argue that the Houthis’ control over them has enabled the group to smuggle Iranian weapons and fund terrorism.

Red Crescent personnel move the body of a victim following, what Al Masirah TV said, was a U.S. strike on the Ras Isa fuel port, Yemen, in this screengrab from a handout video released on April 18, 2025. Al-Masirah TV /Handout via REUTERS

In a statement, the Houthis condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of Yemen’s sovereignty and international law. “This was a civilian installation vital to the Yemeni people,” a Houthi spokesperson said, accusing Washington of retaliating against Yemen’s support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government, however, blamed the Houthis for militarizing the port, accusing the group of enriching themselves through illegal trade while ordinary citizens suffer.

“The militia has exploited the port for illicit trade and to enrich themselves while ordinary Yemenis have seen no benefit,” said Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani.

Thursday’s strike follows weeks of intensified U.S. operations in response to repeated Houthi drone and missile attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. Though the Houthis paused their attacks during a recent ceasefire in Gaza, they vowed to resume operations after Israeli forces renewed their offensive in the enclave.

According to Houthi officials, nearly 100 civilians have died in U.S. bombings over the past month alone. Yemen’s Red Crescent has confirmed the latest death toll and said teams are still working to extinguish fires and recover bodies from the heavily damaged terminal.

CENTCOM reiterated that all operations are conducted with the intent to avoid civilian harm, asserting that Thursday’s strike specifically targeted infrastructure supporting Houthi military activity.

As tensions escalate in the region, analysts warn that the growing U.S. military footprint and deepening humanitarian crisis in Yemen risk further destabilizing the fragile Red Sea corridor — a vital artery for global trade.

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Good Friday Observed Across Asia with Solemn Prayers, Processions, and Calls for Peace

Shasi Kumar
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Good Friday Observed Across Asia with Solemn Prayers, Processions, and Calls for Peace

New Delhi, India – Across Asia, Christian communities marked Good Friday with solemn rituals, processions, and prayers, reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the message of sacrifice, redemption, and hope.

From the bustling cities of the Philippines to the quiet churches of South Korea and India, believers gathered in large numbers to commemorate one of the most sacred days on the Christian calendar.

In India, Jalandhar’s Christian Communities Unite in Reverent Good Friday Observance on April 18, 2025

On April 18, 2025, the Christian communities of Jalandhar, Punjab, came together in deep reverence to observe the solemn occasion of Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The day was marked by heartfelt prayers, services, and processions, reflecting the central Christian values of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

A significant highlight of the observance was the grand Good Friday event organized by the Ankur Narula Ministry in Khambra Village. Thousands of devotees gathered for the occasion, led by Apostle Ankur Yoseph Narula, Senior Pastor and Overseer of The Church of Signs and Wonders, one of Punjab’s largest and fastest-growing ministries. The gathering saw participants from diverse backgrounds come together in worship, honoring Jesus Christ’s selfless sacrifice. Apostle Narula emphasized that Christ came for the salvation of all people—beyond any nation or community, and not just for Christians alone.

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Church of Signs and Wonders in Khambra Village to worship Jesus Christ on Good Friday, 18 April, 2025. Photo: Video Screenshot from ANM

The Church of Signs and Wonders, located on Nakodar Road in Khambra Village, has become a beacon of spiritual unity. With nearly three lakh members and branches across Punjab, as well as in the US, Canada, and Germany, the ministry has extended its outreach significantly. The Good Friday service, which ran from 6 PM to 11 PM, was filled with worship, prayer, and expressions of gratitude. Apostle Narula, described as anointed and Spirit-filled, led the congregation in glorifying the name of Jesus Christ.

The observance highlighted the vibrant presence of Christian ministries in Punjab, with the Church of Signs and Wonders standing out for its outreach and spiritual healing services. This Good Friday, the faithful in Jalandhar came together, demonstrating that the message of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice resonates universally and unites people from all walks of life in a shared expression of faith and hope.

In the Philippines, Asia’s largest Catholic nation, thousands of faithful joined reenactments of the Passion of Christ in provinces such as Pampanga and Bulacan. Some devotees engaged in acts of penance, including self-flagellation and crucifixion reenactments—an intense form of devotion that draws international attention each year.

In Sri Lanka, which has seen growing interfaith efforts in recent years, Good Friday was observed peacefully, with joint interfaith messages from Christian and Buddhist leaders calling for compassion, justice, and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Christians in Pakistan gathered in cathedrals and small chapels alike, lighting candles and praying under tight security. In Lahore, Archbishop Sebastian Shaw called for national harmony and encouraged believers to “be instruments of peace and forgiveness, following the example of Christ.”

In South Korea, where Christianity is a major religion, churches held quiet vigils and solemn services. The Yoido Full Gospel Church and Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul hosted thousands of attendees, many of whom reflected on the significance of the day amid growing concerns over regional security.

Across Indonesia, home to a significant Christian minority, Good Friday services were held with a strong message of interreligious respect. President Joko Widodo extended greetings to Christian citizens, reaffirming the country’s commitment to religious tolerance.

In Malaysia, Good Friday is officially observed as a public holiday in the states of Sabah and Sarawak, where the day is marked by church services and community-led gatherings reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his warm greetings to Christians in Malaysia in honor of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, urging all Malaysians to embrace the values of love, unity, and mutual respect.

This year, the Easter Vigil was especially significant, with more than 2,000 individuals across the country preparing for baptism. Of these, 1,047 were newly baptized in Peninsular Malaysia, with a comparable number receiving the sacrament in Malaysian Borneo.

Some worshippers wear face masks while attending an Easter march on Good Friday at Tin Shui Wai. Photo: Yik Yeung-man/SCMP

Good Friday is recognized as a public holiday in Hong Kong, with schools and most businesses closed, allowing the faithful to participate in religious services and processions. ​
Time and Date

Churches across the city held special services, including the Stations of the Cross and Passion narratives, reflecting the solemnity of the day. In areas like North Point, congregations gathered for live services, fostering a sense of community and reflection.

This year’s observances were particularly poignant as they come during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises in various parts of the world. Clergy across the continent urged believers to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and extend compassion to those suffering from war, displacement, and poverty.

As Asia’s diverse Christian communities marked this sacred day, the unifying message of Good Friday—of love, sacrifice, and the hope of renewal—resonated across churches, homes, and hearts.

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JD Vance, Meloni Deepen Trade Talks in Rome, VP Attend Vatican Service Amid Papal Speculation

Diplomat Times
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JD Vance, Meloni Deepen Trade Talks in Rome, VP Attend Vatican Service Amid Papal Speculation

Rome, Italy — U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday for a second round of high-stakes talks on tariffs, just a day after their Oval Office meeting with former President Donald Trump. The two leaders later attended Good Friday services at the Vatican, fueling speculation of a potential meeting between Vance and Pope Francis over the weekend.

Greeting Vance at the Chigi Palace, Meloni joked, “I’ve been missing you,” referencing their back-to-back meetings. Their discussions centered on transatlantic trade tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Vance stating that negotiations with the European Union remain a priority.

The White House and Meloni’s office issued a joint statement confirming that Trump would visit Italy “in the very near future,” adding that a broader U.S.-EU meeting is also under consideration.

“This visit is another great opportunity to strengthen our bilateral cooperation,” Meloni said, emphasizing Italy’s vital role as a U.S. partner in Europe and the Mediterranean.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and his wife Usha Vance, with their daughter Mirabel, back to camera, and sons Vivek and Ewan, left, attend a Good Friday service inside St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Friday, April 18, 2025. Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino

Vance, a Catholic convert, later attended the solemn Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica alongside his wife and children. Though Pope Francis was absent due to health concerns, Vance is scheduled to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Saturday. While no official meeting with the Pope has been announced, Vatican insiders have not ruled out the possibility.

The potential audience with Francis comes against the backdrop of past tensions. Vance has previously criticized the Pope’s stance on migration, clashing with the pontiff’s emphasis on humanitarian care. Francis, in turn, appeared to rebut Vance’s theological justifications for U.S. immigration policies in a February letter to American bishops, urging a more inclusive interpretation of Christian doctrine.

As the Easter weekend unfolds, all eyes remain on Rome, where diplomacy, religion, and politics continue to intersect in complex and symbolic ways.

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France Hosts Landmark Ukraine Talks With Marco Rubio, Ukrainian and European Leaders Amid Rising Tensions

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France Hosts Landmark Ukraine Talks With Marco Rubio, Ukrainian and European Leaders Amid Rising Tensions

Paris, France — France played host to pivotal high-level talks on Ukraine’s security Thursday, marking the first time since President Donald Trump’s inauguration that top U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials have met together to discuss the ongoing war. The talks, which took place at the French presidential palace, came at a time of mounting concerns about Trump’s stance toward Russia and the stalled efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, along with senior Ukrainian and European officials, participated in hours of separate discussions before French President Emmanuel Macron brought them together for a final round of talks. Macron characterized the discussions as an essential “convergence” and announced that the same format would continue next week in London.

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, welcomes US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, center, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday April 17, 2025. Photo : Ludovic Marin, Pool Photo via AP

The gathering occurred amid rising frustrations in Europe over Trump’s foreign policy decisions, including his rhetoric surrounding NATO, tariffs on key allies, and his attempts to engage with Russia. There is increasing anxiety about Trump’s perceived readiness to align more closely with Moscow, further complicating efforts to end the war.

The American Perspective

Rubio shared on X that the American delegation’s primary goal in Paris was to “secure real, practical solutions to end the Russia-Ukraine war.” He also spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to convey the same message. According to U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, Rubio relayed that “President Trump and the United States want this war to end, and have now presented to all parties the outlines of a durable and lasting peace.” The U.S. emphasized that the encouraging reception in Paris for their peace framework shows that a resolution is within reach if all parties are committed.

Until now, U.S. efforts have focused on separate negotiations with Ukraine and Russia, with European diplomats largely excluded from the talks. Experts view this meeting as a major shift, particularly since it is believed to be the first time Witkoff, Trump’s chief envoy for Russia, has met with senior Ukrainian officials.

Alina Polyakova, president of the Center for European Policy Analysis, highlighted the importance of involving Europe in the peace process, noting that “this is not just about a swath of territory in Ukraine… this is about broader questions of European security.”

Ukraine’s Priorities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement, emphasized the need for security guarantees and said his delegation was tasked with discussing both full and partial ceasefire proposals, though not touching on Ukraine’s territorial integrity. French officials later confirmed that U.S. negotiators were open to discussing security guarantees but offered few details.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Andrii Yermak stated that the discussions centered on the next steps toward achieving a “just and lasting peace,” including plans for a full ceasefire, the deployment of a multinational military force, and the establishment of an effective security architecture for Ukraine.

A Coalition for Peace

A significant topic was the formation of a coalition of nations, led by the UK and France, to help enforce any future peace agreement with Russia. However, the coalition’s success would require strong U.S. support, particularly in terms of airpower or military assistance, which the Trump administration has yet to publicly commit to.

Polyakova pointed out that peace efforts have so far faltered because Russian President Vladimir Putin seems unwilling to agree to a ceasefire, opting instead to stall negotiations. The Trump administration has mainly offered Moscow incentives, or “carrots,” but has been criticized for lacking sufficient leverage, or “sticks,” to force meaningful change.

The question now is whether these talks will prompt a shift in the U.S. strategy, Polyakova said.

Diplomatic Success for Macron

French President Macron, who has been in frequent communication with both Zelenskyy and Trump, spoke twice with the Ukrainian leader during the day’s talks. Macron’s involvement in these diplomatic efforts has been praised as instrumental in facilitating the convergence of U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials. France heralded Thursday’s discussions as a diplomatic success, reflecting the strength of Macron’s relationships with both Trump and Zelenskyy.

The ongoing meetings are seen as a crucial step in shaping the future of Ukraine and Europe’s security in the wake of the ongoing conflict.

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Argentine Court Upholds Gender Violence Charges Against Former President Alberto Fernández

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Argentine Court Upholds Gender Violence Charges Against Former President Alberto Fernández

Buenos Aires, Argentine – An Argentine appeals court has upheld the indictment of former President Alberto Fernández (2019–2023) on gender-based violence charges, advancing a landmark case that could see the ex-head of state stand trial for the alleged abuse of his former partner, Fabiola Yáñez.

RELATED NEWS : U.S. Sanctions Former Argentine President and Ex-Minister Over Corruption Allegations

The decision, issued Tuesday by the National Criminal and Correctional Appeals Court, confirms a February 17 ruling by Federal Judge Julián Ercolini, which accuses Fernández of committing both physical and psychological abuse against Yáñez between 2016 and August 2024 — a relationship the court described as shaped by a “notorious power imbalance.”

Judges Cite “Marked Power Asymmetry” and Pattern of Abuse

The majority decision by Judges Martín Irurzun and Eduardo Farah, with a dissent from Judge Roberto Boico, affirms that the alleged abuse occurred within a context of gender-based violence, in which Fernández is said to have exploited Yáñez’s vulnerability during their relationship.

The court cited a “marked power imbalance, isolation, psychological abuse, and repeated physical aggression,” noting that several incidents allegedly took place at the presidential residence under conditions of forced isolation.

Judge Farah dismissed the defense’s claim that the charges lacked clarity, stating the allegations were “meticulously described” from the beginning of the relationship to the formal complaint filed in 2024.

Defense Denies Abuse, Asserts Counterclaim

Fernández’s legal counsel, Silvina Carreira, has appealed the indictment, arguing that the former president was not the abuser but rather suffered mistreatment himself at the hands of Yáñez. The court, however, dismissed this claim and upheld charges including minor and serious injuries, coercive threats, and abuse of power — all aggravated by the intimate relationship between the two.

The ruling emphasized that Fernández’s status as both President and a public figure with symbolic authority intensified the imbalance of power, stating he was “not only the President of the Nation, but also a public actor with symbolic power.”

A Legal and Political First

This marks the first time in Argentine history that a sitting or former head of state has been criminally indicted for gender-based violence. If convicted, Fernández faces a potential prison sentence of 3 to 18 years.

The indictment details a sustained pattern of verbal humiliation, threats, guilt manipulation, and physical assault across multiple years — raising broader questions about accountability at the highest levels of government.

With the indictment now upheld, Fernández is just one step away from a public oral trial that could set a significant precedent in Latin American political and judicial history.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Peru’s Ex-First Lady Flees to Brazil, Requests Asylum to Escape Prison Sentence

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Peru’s Ex-First Lady Flees to Brazil, Requests Asylum to Escape Prison Sentence

Brasília, Brazil — Nadine Heredia, Peru’s former First Lady and wife of ex-President Ollanta Humala (2011–2016), arrived in Brazil on Wednesday under diplomatic asylum, mere hours after being sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in a major corruption scandal involving Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht and funding from Venezuela.

RELATED NEWS : Former Peruvian President Humala sentenced to 15 years in prison for money laundering

Heredia, accompanied by her youngest son, Samir, who was also granted asylum, landed in Brasília aboard a Brazilian Air Force jet, following a swift approval of her asylum request and the issuance of a safe-conduct pass by Peruvian authorities.

A Regional Scandal Reignited

Heredia and Humala were convicted Tuesday on charges of aggravated money laundering, accused of receiving illegal campaign donations from Odebrecht and late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez during Peru’s 2006 and 2011 elections.

While Humala was arrested and sent to Barbadillo prison in Lima — where former presidents Alejandro Toledo and Pedro Castillo are also detained — Heredia fled to the Brazilian Embassy in Lima immediately after the verdict, invoking diplomatic protection under the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum.

Diplomatic Ripples Across Latin America

The case has triggered heated political debate in Peru, where Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer has been summoned to explain the government’s decision to allow Heredia’s departure. Congressional President Eduardo Salhuana acknowledged the country’s treaty obligations, emphasizing the need to avoid a diplomatic standoff with Brazil, Peru’s top Latin American trade partner.

“The government had no choice under international law,” Salhuana stated. “Refusal could have escalated into a full diplomatic crisis.”

Brazil, invoking the 1954 Caracas Convention, defended its decision despite Peru’s objections concerning Heredia’s conviction on serious financial crimes. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who himself was imprisoned over charges later annulled, signed off on the asylum — reigniting conversations about the region’s history of politicized justice and Brazil’s legacy of offering refuge to embattled leaders.

Brazil’s Legacy of Political Asylum

Brazil has a long-standing tradition of granting asylum to controversial political figures. Among the most notable were Paraguayan dictator Alfredo Stroessner, ex-President Raúl Cubas, and Ecuador’s Lucio Gutiérrez.

Heredia’s legal team confirmed that her exit from Peru was executed in the early hours of Wednesday morning under military protection. Her future in Brazil remains uncertain — it is still unclear whether she and her son will remain in Brasília or relocate elsewhere within the country.

Meanwhile, Heredia’s conviction remains under appeal, potentially opening another chapter in a saga that continues to entangle power, politics, and justice across Latin America.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Russian Court Jailed 4 Journalists to 5.5 Years for Alleged Ties to Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation

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Russian Court Jailed 4 Journalists to 5.5 Years for Alleged Ties to Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation

Moscow, Russia – In a verdict widely condemned by press freedom advocates, a Moscow court on Tuesday sentenced four journalists to five and a half years in prison for allegedly collaborating with the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the banned organization founded by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The journalists — Antonina Favorskaya, Sergei Karelin, Konstantin Gabov, and Artyom Kriguer — were convicted of “extremism” for their alleged involvement in producing journalistic content for YouTube channels associated with Navalny’s movement.

The sentencing took place at Nagatinsky Zaton District Court, where the defendants listened to the ruling from inside a glass courtroom cell. Initially, prosecutors had sought five years and 11 months of imprisonment for each.

Despite the closed nature of much of the trial, dozens of family members, friends, and fellow journalists were permitted to attend the final hearing — many of whom gathered outside the courthouse to show their support.

“To Be Honest Is a Crime in Putin’s Russia”

Following the sentencing, Artyom Kriguer, speaking defiantly through the courtroom glass, told supporters:
“Everything will be fine, guys. Don’t despair. Sooner or later, all this will be over — and those who convicted me will go to jail.”
He added last week that “to be an honest and professional journalist — and not a pitiful propagandist — is a crime and an act of extremism in Putin’s Russia.”

Kriguer’s girlfriend told reporters the verdict would be appealed, affirming that “the struggle is not over.”

Targeted for Covering Navalny’s Work

None of the four journalists were official members of the FBK, which has been labeled an extremist organization by Russian authorities. They were arrested between March and June 2024, accused of producing material covering FBK’s investigations and public campaigns.

Despite their limited journalistic involvement — mostly covering rallies, legal proceedings, and political commentary — prosecutors argued that their reporting alone constituted participation in extremist activities.

Favorskaya, a correspondent for SOTAvision, was the first to be detained in March. In April, Karelin (Associated Press) and Gabov (Reuters) were arrested, followed by Kriguer in June, also from SOTAvision.

Gabov, speaking before the verdict, said, “Even from behind bars, you have to talk about Russian events and problems from Russia. It’s difficult to work in such extreme conditions, but it’s possible.”

Navalny’s Shadow Still Looms

The ruling is the latest chapter in the Russian government’s sustained crackdown on dissenting voices in the wake of Alexei Navalny’s death in February 2024, under murky circumstances while imprisoned in a remote Arctic penal colony. His family, supporters, and Western governments have blamed the Kremlin for his death and accused President Vladimir Putin of thwarting a possible prisoner exchange that might have saved his life.

Tuesday’s sentencing reinforces fears that journalistic activity critical of the Kremlin is now treated as a criminal act under Russian law, particularly if associated with opposition figures.

As the four journalists prepare to begin their sentences, press freedom organizations worldwide have condemned the verdict and called for their immediate release, warning of an increasingly dangerous climate for independent journalism in Russia.

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Former Peruvian President Humala sentenced to 15 years in prison for money laundering

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Former Peruvian President Humala sentenced to 15 years in prison for money laundering

Lima, Peru – Former Peruvian President Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison for money laundering over illegal contributions from former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and the Brazilian company Odebrecht to finance his electoral campaigns in 2006 and 2011.

RELATED NEWS : U.S. Sanctions Former Argentine President and Ex-Minister Over Corruption Allegations

Humala’s wife, Nadine Heredia, who directed both campaigns, was also found guilty of the same crime and sentenced to 15 years. Heredia’s brother, Ilán, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Humala, Heredia and her brother will be sent to a prison to be determined by the National Penitentiary Institute.

Agents of the Peruvian National Police entered the courtroom and arrested the former president.

The court will read the sentence on Apr. 29, but said “we have seen the elements that would constitute the existence of a criminal organization.

The court set the reparations for the case at 10 million soles (about 2.67 million dollars).

The judge said Humala’s 2006 campaign received “contributions for about one and a half million soles” and that “there is an attribution to the country of Venezuela, the Venezuelan embassy is pinpointed as where this money came from.”

“From our point of view of evidence, there is an illegal origin, non-existent and false contributions that have tried to be legitimized through different mechanisms,” he added, noting that “these are typical and characteristic facts of money laundering.”

He added that in the 2011 campaign, which allowed Humala to enter the presidency, “a similar situation” is seen, but with “money coming from Brazil, through the company Odebrecht”, for “almost 3 million dollars.”

“In our conclusion, aggravated money laundering has been committed and in the criminal responsibility of the accused,” he stressed.

Humala assured inFebruary in an interview with EFE that if Odebrecht came to send money to Lima to finance his campaign, it was stolen by the then head of the company in Peru, Jorge Barata.

“If Marcelo (Odebrecht) had arranged for Barata (to send money to his campaign), (…) I don’t think this happened, but, if it happened, Barata stole the money,” he said.

Heredia was prosecuted for her participation in the activities of the Peruvian Nationalist Part, including alleged fundraising, and later for involvement beyond her duties as first lady.

Humala’s wife declared during the trial that she had never received money from the Chávez government, “nor from President Lula in Brazil, nor any Brazilian company”. 

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

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

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

Washington, D.C. – El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office today, marking a high-profile visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation on immigration enforcement, gang crackdowns, and regional security. The meeting, which drew significant attention, underscored the growing alliance between the two leaders amid controversial deportation policies.

The discussions centered on El Salvador’s role in housing migrants deported from the U.S., particularly in its notorious CECOT mega-prison, which has been used to detain alleged gang members, including those sent from the United States. Trump praised Bukele’s tough-on-crime approach, calling him a “fantastic leader” who is “helping us solve problems at a low cost.” Bukele, in turn, highlighted his country’s transformation into the “safest in the Western Hemisphere” due to his aggressive anti-gang policies.

A key point of contention during the meeting was the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite a U.S. Supreme Court order to facilitate his return. Bukele firmly stated he had no intention of releasing Garcia, describing the request as “preposterous” and asserting that El Salvador would not “smuggle terrorists” into the U.S. Trump appeared to deflect responsibility, emphasizing Bukele’s autonomy in the matter while expressing support for deporting “as many criminals as possible” to El Salvador.

The leaders also touched on trade, tariffs, and El Salvador’s embrace of Bitcoin, with Trump expressing interest in exploring similar financial innovations. Outside the White House, demonstrators, including Garcia’s family, protested, demanding his return and criticizing the lack of due process in recent deportations.

The meeting, which included a handshake and brief remarks to the press, highlighted the deepening partnership between the Trump administration and Bukele’s government, though it raised concerns among human rights groups about the implications of El Salvador’s prison system and mass deportation policies. As Bukele departed, Trump called the talks “tremendously productive,” signaling further collaboration ahead.

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