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Category: World

Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against BBC Over Edited January 6 Documentary

Wale busari03 mins

Former President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC on Monday, accusing the British broadcaster of defaming him through a misleading edit of his January 6, 2021, speech at the White House Ellipse. The lawsuit targets a 2024 BBC documentary titled Trump: A Second Chance, which Trump’s legal team says spliced different sections of his remarks to make it appear as though he explicitly encouraged the Capitol riot. “I’m suing the BBC for putting words in my mouth, literally,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “They actually put terrible words in my mouth having to do with January 6th that I didn’t say.” The 33-page lawsuit, filed in federal court in Miami, seeks $5 billion for defamation and an additional $5 billion for allegedly violating Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Trump’s lawyers described the documentary as “a brazen attempt to interfere in and influence” the 2024 election. Last month, the BBC issued a formal apology, but maintained that it did not defame Trump. The broadcaster’s director-general and news CEO resigned following the controversy, with BBC chairman Samir Shah describing the edit as an “error of judgment.” The documentary featured an edited clip of Trump saying: “We’re gonna walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you and we fight. We fight like hell, and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not gonna have a country anymore.” The clip, however, combined three separate sections of his speech and omitted nearly an hour of content, including Trump’s call for peaceful action. The documentary also showed footage of the Proud Boys heading to the Capitol before Trump’s speech, implying that his remarks inspired their march. Trump’s legal team is requesting a jury trial to pursue the case.

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Son Of Rob And Michele Reiner Arrested After Parents Found Dead In Los Angeles Home

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Nick Reiner, 32, the son of renowned film director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of his parents at their Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed on Monday that Nick Reiner is in custody without bail. Sources told CBS News that the couple’s 28-year-old daughter, Romy, discovered Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, at their Brentwood residence on Sunday, both suffering multiple stab wounds. Rob Reiner was celebrated for directing iconic films including When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, Misery, and A Few Good Men. Michele Reiner was an actress, photographer, producer, and founder of the photography and production company Reiner Light. Emergency services arrived at the home around 3:38 p.m. local time on Sunday, but both Rob and Michele were pronounced dead at the scene. Nick Reiner was arrested several hours later, around 9:15 p.m. Authorities have not revealed a motive, and the investigation is ongoing. Sources told CBS News that Rob and Nick had a loud argument during a party the previous evening. Nick Reiner has publicly discussed his struggles with addiction and homelessness, experiences that inspired the semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, which he made with his father in 2015. The deaths have drawn widespread reactions from friends, colleagues, and public figures. Maria Shriver, former first lady of California and longtime family friend, described the couple as “devoted parents” who “deeply loved all their children.” Sir Elton John called them “two of the most beautiful people I’d ever met,” while actors John Cusack and Elijah Wood also expressed shock and grief. President Donald Trump made a controversial post blaming Rob Reiner’s “Trump Derangement Syndrome” for the tragedy, which was met with criticism from both politicians and friends of the family. Former Republican ally Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the deaths are a “family tragedy” and should be met with empathy, not politicization. The case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths.

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At Least 11 Killed In Antisemitic Attack On Hanukkah Celebration At Sydney’s Bondi Beach

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Bondi Beach saw a horrific attack on Sunday when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, leaving at least 11 people dead. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the assault as an act of antisemitic terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation. The shooting occurred at the Chanukah by the Sea event, one of the many gatherings held to mark the start of the eight-day Jewish festival, at one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches. While Australia has experienced a rise in antisemitic incidents over the past year, authorities have not linked them to Sunday’s attack. Police said one gunman was fatally shot at the scene, while the second was arrested and is in critical condition. One of the suspects was reportedly known to security services, though there had been no specific threat. At least 29 others were injured, including two police officers, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. Investigators are also examining several suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices found in one of the suspects’ vehicles. “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. The violence erupted late in the afternoon as thousands of beachgoers enjoyed the summer day. Eyewitnesses described chaos as people ran from the water while gunfire rang out. Footage showed two men in black firing rifles from a footbridge above the event, while a separate dramatic clip captured a bystander tackling and disarming one of the gunmen before setting the weapon on the ground. Minns called the man a “genuine hero.” Among the dead was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event, according to the Orthodox Jewish movement. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that one of the victims was an Israeli citizen. The attack, the deadliest in Australia in nearly 30 years, has left the nation grappling with grief while authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

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US Forces Storm Cargo Ship Travelling From China to Iran: Report

Fola Badmus03 mins

United States forces reportedly raided a cargo ship travelling from China to Iran in November, marking the latest example of increasingly aggressive maritime tactics by the administration of President Donald Trump. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal published on Friday, US military personnel boarded the vessel several hundred miles from Sri Lanka. Unnamed officials said the incident marked the first time in several years that US forces had intercepted cargo travelling from China to Iran. The operation took place weeks before US authorities seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela earlier this week, citing alleged sanctions violations. Officials described the November raid as another step in a pattern of actions Washington has not taken in years. US Indo-Pacific Command did not immediately confirm the report. However, an official told the newspaper that materials seized during the operation were “potentially useful for Iran’s conventional weapons.” The official added that the items were considered dual-use, meaning they could have both civilian and military applications. Sources said the ship was allowed to continue its journey after the interdiction, which reportedly involved US special operations forces. Iran remains under extensive US sanctions. Neither Tehran nor Beijing immediately responded to the report, though China, a key trading partner of Iran, has consistently criticised US sanctions as illegal. Earlier on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker by US forces, which was taken to a port in Texas. Guo said Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions and what it described as “long-arm jurisdiction” without authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. The latest maritime action comes amid heightened US pressure on Venezuela, a move Caracas has accused Washington of pursuing in an effort to undermine President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that the Trump administration would not rule out additional vessel seizures near Venezuela in the future.

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Putin Visits India Amid Renewed Ukraine Peace Push — What’s on the Agenda?

Fola Badmus07 mins

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on Thursday for a high-level diplomatic visit—his first trip to the country since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The visit comes as the United States intensifies pressure on Russia to end the war, while also targeting India with tariffs and sanctions threats over its continued energy and defence ties with Moscow. Putin’s 30-hour working trip also coincides with rising tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The U.S. has recently imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods and warned of sanctions because of India’s increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil during the war. India’s Delicate Balancing Act India has long walked a tightrope between its deepening strategic partnership with the United States and its decades-old defence and diplomatic ties with Russia. Since independence in 1947, New Delhi has avoided formal alliances, leaning towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War before later strengthening ties with Washington in the post-Cold War era. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has placed enormous strain on that balancing act. Putin’s visit is now seen as a critical indicator of how Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to manage these competing relationships without jeopardising crucial partnerships. Putin’s Schedule in New Delhi The Russian president will arrive Thursday evening and attend a private dinner with Modi at the Prime Minister’s residence. The Kremlin has described the visit as “of great importance,” noting that it provides an opportunity to review the “extensive agenda” of the Russia-India “special and privileged strategic partnership.” Putin is accompanied by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Rosoboronexport executives, and the heads of major sanctioned oil companies, including Rosneft and Gazprom Neft. Why the Timing Matters This year marks 25 years of the Russia-India Strategic Partnership, signed during Putin’s first year in office. But recent years have disrupted a previously consistent pattern of annual summits. 2022: Modi was scheduled to visit Russia, but the summit was cancelled following the Ukraine invasion. 2023: Putin skipped the G20 Summit in New Delhi amid the ICC arrest warrant. 2024: Modi travelled to Russia, reviving the summit tradition. 2025: Putin is now returning after a four-year gap. Defence and Trade Expected to Dominate Talks Analysts say Putin hopes to: Expand defence exports to India, including missile systems and fighter jets. Strengthen cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, machinery, and energy. Counter U.S. efforts to isolate Moscow. The visit offers significant political optics for Putin. “President Putin can send a message that Russia is not isolated,” said Rajan Kumar, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. However, discussions will unfold under the shadow of shifting global energy dynamics—and the growing assertiveness of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Trump Factor Following Russia’s invasion, India became the second-largest buyer of Russian crude, with imports surging by 2,250%. The U.S. initially tolerated the increase, arguing it helped stabilise global oil markets. But Trump now views India’s purchases as leverage over Moscow. He has: Imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods as a penalty. Sanctioned Russia’s biggest oil firms, including Rosneft and Lukoil. Threatened sanctions on countries still trading with them. As a result: India’s imports of Russian crude are projected to fall to a three-year low. Reliance Industries, India’s largest refiner, has said it will stop exporting products made from Russian crude. India recently signed a major agreement to ramp up U.S. natural gas imports. Nevertheless, experts say India will not abandon Moscow entirely. Defence: The Strongest Pillar of India-Russia Ties Despite diversification into U.S. and European arms markets, Russia remains: India’s largest defence supplier (36% of imports) The source of over 60% of India’s military arsenal The partnership was further solidified during India’s four-day air conflict with Pakistan in May, when the Russian S-400 missile defence system played a crucial role. India is considering purchasing additional S-400 units. Russia is also keen to sell its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. “The SU-57 is the best plane in the world,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said before the visit. “And it will be on the agenda.”

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Zelenskyy’s Top Aide Resigns After Home Search by Anticorruption Investigators

Fola Badmus05 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, amid an escalating corruption investigation that has shaken Kyiv and raised concerns among Western allies. The announcement came on Friday, just hours after Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) searched Yermak’s apartment in connection with an ongoing inquiry. “The Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganised. The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address, adding that consultations on a possible replacement would begin on Saturday. Yermak, a central figure in Ukraine’s wartime diplomacy and the president’s closest adviser, confirmed earlier that investigators had searched his home, saying he was fully cooperating. “There are no obstacles for the investigators. They have been given full access… my lawyers are cooperating with law enforcement,” he wrote on social media. NABU and SAPO said the search was authorised and linked to an active investigation, though the details of the case were not immediately disclosed. Wider corruption probe The search follows a sweeping investigation unveiled earlier this month into an alleged $100m kickback scheme involving Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear power operator. The probe has implicated former senior officials and Tymur Mindich, a past business partner of Zelenskyy. The developments come as Kyiv faces mounting pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump to accept a revised peace proposal aimed at ending the four-year war with Russia. Ukraine and European allies have expressed concerns that earlier versions of the US plan included concessions favourable to Moscow. Political pressure rising Zelenskyy is also facing domestic criticism, with opposition lawmakers faulting Yermak’s influential role in peace negotiations and calling for greater political transparency. Despite the turmoil, Zelenskyy urged unity:“Russia very much wants Ukraine to make mistakes. There will be no mistakes on our part. Our work continues.” A key but controversial figure Yermak, 54, a former film producer and copyright lawyer, has been widely regarded as the second-most powerful man in Ukraine. Since joining Zelenskyy’s political circle in 2019, he has acted as the president’s gatekeeper and chief strategist, playing a crucial role in shaping diplomacy, security policy and wartime negotiations. His resignation comes at a critical moment, as Ukrainian, US and European officials work to refine a potential peace framework and as Russia intensifies military and political pressure. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Kyiv, Yermak’s departure marks a serious setback:“It couldn’t be more critical for Ukraine. It is negotiating its very survival as a sovereign nation.” The corruption investigation, meanwhile, continues. Authorities say Mindich is suspected of orchestrating the alleged Energoatom scheme, which remains under intensive scrutiny.

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Trump Excludes South Africa From 2026 G20 Summit After Diplomatic Clash

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President Donald Trump has announced that South Africa will be excluded from next year’s G20 summit in Miami, intensifying a diplomatic dispute that began when the US boycotted last week’s first-ever G20 meeting held in Africa. South Africa formally handed over the G20 presidency to the United States on Monday. However, the traditional transfer between heads of state was reduced to a symbolic event at the foreign ministry after President Cyril Ramaphosa declined a last-minute request to hand over the presidency to a US diplomat. Trump cited this refusal as the reason for barring South Africa. “Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, “South Africa has demonstrated to the world they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere,” and said the US would “stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately.” South Africa, which has long championed multilateralism, vowed it would still attend the Miami summit. Ramaphosa emphasized that the country is a G20 member “in its own name and right” and that its membership is recognized by all other members. The presidency said, “South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its worth in participating in global platforms.” The tensions stem partly from Trump’s repeated claims of a “genocide” of white farmers in South Africa, which his administration has cited in criticism of the country. South Africa’s presidency called these claims “misinformation and distortions” and expressed regret that, despite Ramaphosa’s attempts to reset relations, punitive measures continue. The diplomatic spat escalated after Washington revoked the visa of Naledi Pandor, a former South African foreign minister, just hours after Ramaphosa declined the request to hand over the G20 presidency to a US diplomat. During the recent G20 summit, Ramaphosa successfully led the remaining 19 members in signing a joint declaration, despite Trump’s insistence that no collective statement be issued. Experts warn that Trump’s move could have broader economic consequences. Chris Hattingh, executive director of the Johannesburg-based Centre for Risk Analysis, noted, “There is a risk that the US will pressure other countries to weaken their trade, investment, commercial and diplomatic links with South Africa, lest they also be pushed out of the G20.” Despite political tensions, US businesses continue to engage with South Africa. At the recent B20 — the business track of the G20 — representatives from JPMorgan, Visa, and Citi signed a joint statement with South African counterparts to strengthen business ties. Gary Litman, the US business sherpa, said the goal is to ensure political leaders provide an environment where companies can pursue their business objectives. The exclusion underscores the growing friction between the two nations and highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy, politics, and trade ahead of the Miami summit.

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Afghan National Rahmanullah Lakanwal Identified As Suspect In White House Shooting

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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national admitted to the U.S. under a Biden-era program for Afghans who assisted the American military, has been identified as the suspect in a shooting near the White House on November 26. Lakanwal reportedly opened fire on two West Virginia National Guard members just two blocks from the White House before being shot himself. All three men are in critical condition. Jeffrey Carrol, executive assistant chief of the Washington D.C. police, described the incident as an ambush. “The attacker came around the corner and immediately started firing a firearm,” he said. While it has not been officially confirmed who shot Lakanwal, other guardsmen quickly responded to the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel said the attack appeared to be “targeted,” though it remains unclear whether Lakanwal intended to strike additional targets. President Donald Trump condemned the suspect, calling him “an animal” and a “foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth.” Trump described the shooting as “heinous” and blamed the Biden administration’s Afghan resettlement policy, calling for a review of all Afghans admitted under the program and measures to remove those who do not “add benefit to our country.” President Joe Biden also condemned the attack, stating, “Violence of any kind is unacceptable,” and offered prayers for the injured service members and their families.

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