RUSSIAN PRISON
Julian Assange's actions put people in danger: US State Department after whistleblower walks free
Julian Assange, WikiLeaks founder, arrived in Australia after signing a plea deal with the US, ending a 14-year legal case. The US State Department criticized Assange for endangering lives, including diplomats and allies, by releasing unredacted classified documents. They also accused him of acting as a conduit for Russian intelligence during the US presidential elections. Assange was welcomed in Canberra by supporters and family. His plea deal was formalized on the Northern Mariana Islands to facilitate his travel back to Australia.
What you need to know about Julian Assange, WikiLeaks' controversial founder
Julian Assange, who recently secured his freedom through a plea deal with US authorities, is a polarizing figure known for his role in WikiLeaks. Seen by many as a champion of press freedom, he gained global attention by releasing classified US military documents, including the infamous Iraq and Afghanistan war logs. Assange's legal troubles began with allegations in Sweden, followed by seeking asylum in Ecuador's embassy in London to avoid extradition to the US, where he faced charges under the Espionage Act.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to plead guilty in espionage act case in US court, will be freed from prison
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, will plead guilty to conspiring to obtain and disseminate classified US defense information under a deal with the US Justice Department. This agreement concludes a decade-long legal battle involving multiple countries. Assange will appear in a federal court in the Mariana Islands to enter his plea, after which he will return to Australia. The case has sparked significant debates over press freedom and national security.
Man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband also found guilty of kidnapping and faces life in prison
A man convicted in the attack against former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband has been found guilty of aggravated kidnapping, which carries a life sentence without parole. David DePape, 44, was also convicted of first-degree burglary, false imprisonment of an elder, threatening a family member of a public official, and dissuading a witness in a San Francisco trial. The attack, which occurred in 2022, resulted in Paul Pelosi suffering serious injuries. DePape's federal sentencing of 30 years was recently concluded, and his state trial convictions come despite his defense claiming double jeopardy. DePape's defense plans to appeal the verdict.
Shunned by West, Russian army deserters live in fear
Russian authorities have opened a criminal case against Ziganshin for abandoning his unit. He does not feel safe in Kazakhstan and fears he might be deported to Russia. But it is hard for men like him to seek refuge in the West because many Russian servicemen do not have the Russian passport that allows travel to Europe and only have documents that permit them to reach neighbours such as Kazakhstan or Armenia.
US reporter Gershkovich to go on trial in Russia on June 26
The trial of US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who faces espionage charges in Russia, will begin on June 26, 2024. The trial will be held behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg. He was arrested in 2023 and was accused of working for the CIA, collecting secret information about a Russian tank maker. The US and Wall Street Journal dismissed the charges as lacking credibility. It also condemned the trial as a sham and outrageous.
Russian forces kill Islamic State-linked hostage takers at detention centre
State media said that some of the men had been convicted of terrorism offences and were accused of affiliation with the Islamic State militant group, which claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall in March. The six hostage takers, one of whom wore a headband with the flag used by the Islamic State that bears an Arabic inscription, knocked out window bars and climbed down several floors by rope before taking the guards hostage with a knife and fire axe.
Russia says exchanged 75 captured servicemen with Ukraine
Russia said that it had conducted a prisoner exchange with Ukraine. The two countries exchanging 75 captured servicemen in one of the only areas of dialogue between the warring countries. As a result of negotiations, 75 Russian servicemen who were in mortal danger in captivity have been returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime.
Top Russian military officials are being arrested. Why is it happening?
Following the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister last month, a series of detentions of senior military officials on corruption charges has unfolded. These arrests coincided with President Vladimir Putin's fifth term and a reshuffle of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The detentions have sparked speculation about Putin's control over the Defense Ministry, potential turf battles, or other internal power plays. Corruption has long been entrenched in Russia's system, but the recent crackdown, especially amid the war in Ukraine, suggests a significant shift in handling graft within the defense sector.
Ukraine's divisive mobilisation law comes into force as a new Russian push strains front-line troops
A new mobilisation law in Ukraine has sparked controversy as it aims to boost troop numbers amidst Russia's offensive. The law provides incentives for soldiers but has raised concerns about its impact on businesses and essential services. Ukrainian forces are under strain, prompting measures to replenish depleted ranks. Volunteers are joining the fight, but draft dodging and fleeing the country are also occurring. The conflict has led to casualties and displacement, with Ukraine seeking international support to defend against Russian advances.
Ukraine parliament passes bill allowing prisoners to join military amid personnel shortage
Ukraine's parliament has passed a bill allowing certain prisoners to enlist in the armed forces amid a critical shortage of military personnel. The move marks a shift in Kyiv's stance, previously opposing such measures. The legislation, awaiting final approval, restricts participation to specific prisoner categories and requires less than three years remaining on their sentence. Despite its passage, concerns have been raised about discrimination and uncertainties regarding prisoners' service. This decision comes as Ukraine faces increased Russian aggression, with efforts to boost military recruitment intensifying.
Returning as President, Putin says he agreed for prisoner exchange involving Navalny before his death
Putin's election win marked by Navalny's death controversy. Global leaders condemn Navalny's demise, pointing fingers at Putin. Navalny's widow vows to continue his fight for a free Russia, accusing Putin of her husband's death.
Russia has yet to establish official cause of Navalny's death, spokeswoman says
The West and Navalny's supporters have dismissed the Russian prison service's statement on Friday that the 47-year-old had lost consciousness and died. Western leaders have said Putin is responsible for Navalny's death, a stance the Kremlin condemned on Monday as "obnoxious". Putin has made no public comment on Navalny's death but it has further deepened a gaping schism in relations between Moscow and the West caused by the nearly two-year Ukraine war.
Mystery surrounds Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's death as family seeks clarity on body's whereabouts
The whereabouts of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's body remain uncertain, leaving his family in confusion. Conflicting information from authorities has added to the mystery surrounding his death, with his body reportedly showing signs of bruising. Navalny's allies accuse Russian authorities of withholding his body to erase evidence. His death has triggered grief and anger among his supporters, with President Putin yet to comment on the matter.
Alexei Navalny was struck down with 'sudden death syndrome', his mother was told at Russian prison
Alexei Navalny's spokesperson confirmed that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died from "sudden death syndrome," and his body would not be released until the investigation concluded. Navalny, serving a sentence at a penal colony, fell unconscious and died after a walk. Western leaders, including President Joe Biden, paid tribute to Navalny, holding President Vladimir Putin responsible.
US says Navalny's death a 'terrible tragedy' if confirmed
The United States said Friday that the death in prison of Russian opposition leader Alexy Navalny, if confirmed, would be "a terrible tragedy." Navalny, 47, died Friday in an Arctic prison according to Russia's penitentiary service.
UK government summons Russian embassy after Putin-critic Alexei Navalny's death, holds authorities responsible
The UK government holds the Russian authorities responsible for Navalny's death. The FCDO condemns the brutal nature of the Russian system. Navalny's death is being investigated. Navalny's wife urges international action. Navalny's campaigns against corruption are recognized. Global leaders express condolences and condemnations.
Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dead, says prison service
The Federal Penitentiary Service of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District reported that Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, died in prison after feeling unwell and losing consciousness following a walk on Friday. Despite efforts by medical staff to resuscitate him, Navalny could not be revived.
Russia says a plane with Ukrainian POWs crashes, killing all aboard, and accuses Kyiv of downing it
A Russian military transport plane crashed near Ukraine, with Moscow alleging it was shot down by Kyiv. Russia claims all 74 aboard, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, died. The video showed the plane crashing in a snowy area, but the cause remains unconfirmed. The Ukrainian president calls for an international investigation, while tensions escalate amid conflicting accusations. The incident adds to the complex narrative of the 700-day war, marked by information challenges and ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
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