More than 50 people were arrested in an international operation dismantling the encrypted communication platform Ghost, used for serious crimes like drug trafficking and money laundering. Europol, Eurojust, and global law enforcement collaborated, arresting 51 suspects across Australia, Ireland, Canada, and Italy. Weapons, drugs, and over €1m in cash were seized. In Ireland, Gardaà seized €15.2m worth of cocaine, 42 encrypted devices, and other assets. The operation also prevented several threats to life and dismantled a drug lab in Australia. Noah Prescott 18/09/2024 8:30 pm
Jean-Pierre Marechal, who learned to drug and rape his wife from Dominque Pelicot, admitted he deserves harsh punishment. Pelicot, 71, confessed to drugging his wife Gisele and facilitating her rape by strangers. Gisele testified feeling humiliated by defense claims of her complicity. Marechal, not accused of abusing Gisele, admitted to raping his own wife Cilia, influenced by Pelicot. Marechal expressed regret and sought severe punishment, stating he wouldn’t have committed the acts without meeting Pelicot. Ava Sinclair 18/09/2024 8:30 pm
On Wednesday, Lebanon experienced a second wave of explosions, with walkie-talkies detonating in Beirut and the south, killing at least 14 and injuring 450. This followed Tuesday’s pager blasts targeting Hezbollah members, which killed 12 and injured over 2,800. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at Israel’s involvement, marking a “new era” in the conflict. The attacks are part of Israel’s broader strategy to ensure the safe return of residents displaced by ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. Israel is reallocating military resources to the north, moving the elite 98th Division from Gaza. Ava Sinclair 18/09/2024 8:30 pm
Ukrainian drones attacked a weapons depot in Toropets, Russia, destroying a facility housing Iskander missiles, Tochka-U systems, and other munitions. The strike, involving over 100 drones, caused extensive fires and explosions, verified by social media and satellite images. Ukrainian officials argue such attacks justify the need for Western-supplied missiles to target deep within Russia, despite Western concerns about escalation. Ukrainian President Zelensky reiterated this plea to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during their visit to Kyiv. Noah Prescott 18/09/2024 8:30 pm
Central Europe braces for severe flooding, with Budapest soldiers filling sandbags along the Danube. Floods have claimed around 20 lives, submerged towns, and displaced thousands. Poland declared a state of natural disaster. In the Czech Republic, residents begin recovery. Meanwhile, Northern Portugal battles wildfires, with six dead and over 50 injured. The Senate rejected a motion to consider IVF protection legislation, with a 51-44 vote, falling short of the 60 needed. Democrats aimed to highlight differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on the issue. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke before the vote. Ava Sinclair 18/09/2024 1:30 pm
Australian police infiltrated Ghost, an encrypted app for criminals, leading to 38 arrests in Australia and more globally. The app’s alleged administrator, Jay Je Yoon Jung, appeared in court on charges including supporting a criminal organization. Jung remains in custody until November. Police prevented 50 potential crimes by monitoring communications. Ghost was developed for criminal use in 2017, and a Europol-led taskforce, with French technical support, helped decrypt it. Australian police modified software updates to access content on devices. Penelope Kingsley 18/09/2024 1:30 pm
Samadhi Paramitha Brahmananayake reflects on the transformation of a protest site in Sri Lanka’s capital, where she and others camped in 2022 to fight a corrupt government. The protests, sparked by an economic crisis with 70% inflation and shortages of essentials, led to the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Now, two years later, Sri Lankans are preparing for their first presidential election since the “aragalaya” (struggle). Protester Mithun Jayawardana emphasizes the importance of electing a president chosen by the people. Noah Prescott 18/09/2024 10:00 am
Senate Republicans condemned a forthcoming UN General Assembly vote that could label the Israel Defense Forces’ presence in Gaza and the West Bank as “unlawful” and demand Israel’s withdrawal within six months. Marco Rubio and 28 other Republicans criticized the proposal, calling it a reward for terrorism and an insult to the Jewish people. The proposal, introduced by the Palestinian delegation, cites a nonbinding International Court of Justice opinion. The vote is expected Wednesday. The GOP statement emphasized unity against efforts to delegitimize Israel, marking the anniversary of Hamas attacks. Noah Prescott 18/09/2024 6:30 am
The video shows Gisele Pelicot receiving applause from supporters as she leaves court in Avignon. Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, is on trial for drugging her and inviting strangers to sexually assault her. Dominique has admitted to the charges, calling himself a rapist. Social media users praised Gisele’s courage and expressed hope for justice and her recovery. The trial is one of France’s most significant criminal cases in recent history. Noah Prescott 18/09/2024 6:30 am
Ukrainian forces have advanced into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, aiming to encircle thousands of Russian troops, according to Forbes. The offensive, involving around a dozen battalions from eight experienced brigades, has gained control of approximately 1,000 square kilometers. On 14 September, Ukrainian sappers breached Russian defenses near Novyi Put, opening a new axis of advancement. The 95th Air Assault Brigade is advancing through Veseloe, aiming to connect with forces in the main Kursk salient. Ukraine’s strategy includes destroying bridges over the Seym River to isolate Russian troops. Despite challenges, Ukraine has committed 10,000 troops against Russia’s 38,000, many of whom are poorly trained conscripts. Ava Sinclair 18/09/2024 6:30 am
