International News
Assange Regains Freedom Following Deal With US Justice Department
Controversial Wikileaks Founder, Julian Assange has left the UK under a deal with US authorities, marking the conclusion of a protracted legal saga.
The 52-year-old Assange was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, a case centered on Wikileaks’ release of classified documents related to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
However, after spending five years in a British prison battling extradition to the US, Assange has been freed and is expected to admit guilt to violating US espionage laws.
It is being speculated that this agreement could pave the way for his return to Australia, his home country.
Assange was captured on video boarding a flight at London’s Stansted airport on Monday evening, and his departure was confirmed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The chartered flight VJT199 made a stop in Bangkok for refuelling, according to officials at the Thai airport.
Reports suggest Assange is en route to a sentencing hearing on the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands which is scheduled for 9am local time on Wednesday (11pm GMT on Tuesday).
Albanese noted that Assange was accompanied by Australia’s high commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith, during his journey.
“Regardless of the views that people have about Julian Assange and his activities, the case has dragged on for too long, there is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration and we want him brought home to Australia,” Albanese said on Tuesday.
Under the proposed deal, which awaits judicial approval, Julian Assange is likely to receive credit for the five years he has already served and may not face additional prison time.
A senior Justice Department official explained in a letter to a federal judge in the Northern Mariana Islands that Assange was being transferred to Saipan due to its proximity to his home country.
Following the sentencing hearing there, it is expected that Assange will continue on to Australia.
Wikileaks reported that Assange departed Belmarsh prison on Monday morning after spending 1,901 days there.
During his time at the prison, Assange reportedly endured solitary confinement in a small cell measuring 2×3 meters for 23 hours a day.
International News
DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home
Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.
Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.
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The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”
The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”
Details later……….
International News
Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital
Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.
The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.
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According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.
Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.
Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.
Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.
For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.
International News
‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal
US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.
SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock
According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.
“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.
“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”
Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”
“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.
“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.
Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.





