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Northern Ireland Police Warn of Escalating Violence After Second Night of Rioting in Ballymena

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Northern Ireland Police Warn of Escalating Violence After Second Night of Rioting in Ballymena

BELFAST (BN24) — Authorities in Northern Ireland say residents of Ballymena are living in fear following a second consecutive night of rioting, as tensions escalate across the province. Police reported that 32 officers have been injured since unrest began Monday, sparked by public outrage over an alleged sexual assault involving two teenage boys.

The violence, centered in the County Antrim town 28 miles north of Belfast, has since spread to the capital and other towns, prompting concerns about a broader wave of disorder. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the unrest has been marked by petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks being hurled at officers. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police are bracing for further unrest amid social media calls for protest action.

“People are waking up today feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods,” Henderson said at a press conference Wednesday. “We have seen social media activity promoting protest events this evening at various places across Northern Ireland. It’s difficult to precisely predict the scope and scale, but we saw how it played out last night.”

The unrest was triggered by public reaction to the court appearance of two 14-year-old boys accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The pair were formally charged earlier this week, with proceedings conducted through a Romanian interpreter, according to the BBC. Both boys denied the charges and were remanded into custody until July 2.

What began as protests over the incident quickly descended into chaos. Police say four homes set on fire during the rioting are now being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.

“For a second consecutive day, this mob violence has targeted both our diverse communities and the police,” Henderson said. “While I am not labeling entire communities as racist, when families from diverse backgrounds have their doors kicked in, I must call it out for what it is — racist behavior.”

Local residents have reported taking measures to avoid being targeted. One Romanian woman told The Irish Times she placed a British flag in her window in hopes of deterring attackers. Another home displayed both British and Filipino flags alongside a note stating, “Filipino lives here.”

On Tuesday, police deployed water cannons and attenuated energy projectiles — non-lethal rounds — in response to petrol bombs, burning vehicles, and projectiles thrown at officers. Riot police using armored vehicles were met with resistance in areas including Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, where bins were set alight and makeshift barricades erected.

Separate protests also disrupted traffic in parts of Belfast, with some roads temporarily blocked.

Henderson confirmed that the PSNI had requested reinforcements from police forces on the British mainland to bolster their response. He cited the role of online platforms in amplifying unrest: “Social media is clearly being used to escalate the situation.”

The British and Irish governments, along with local politicians, condemned the attacks on officers and property.

“There is absolutely no justification for the disgraceful attacks we have seen on PSNI officers, and on people’s homes and property,” said Hilary Benn, Britain’s Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. “This appalling violence and vandalism must cease immediately, and those involved will be brought to justice.”

The current wave of violence comes 27 years after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Although peace has largely held, sporadic violence still erupts when political and social tensions flare.

As police brace for further unrest, residents across Northern Ireland remain on edge, fearing the riots could intensify and spread further in the days ahead.

Reuters

Atlanta Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Killing Cousin

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Atlanta Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Killing Cousin

DECATUR, Ga. (BN24) — Atlanta rapper Silentó, best known for his 2015 viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter and multiple related charges in the fatal shooting of his cousin in 2021.

Silentó, whose legal name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, 27, entered his plea in DeKalb County Superior Court, admitting to killing 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III. In addition to manslaughter, Hawk pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and concealing the death of another. A murder charge was dismissed as part of a negotiated plea agreement, according to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.

Rooks was found shot in the face and leg outside a home near Decatur, Georgia, in the early morning hours of Jan. 21, 2021. Officers recovered 10 shell casings at the scene, and nearby surveillance footage captured a white BMW SUV speeding away following the gunfire. Investigators tied the vehicle to Hawk through family members, GPS data, and additional camera footage.

Silentó confessed to the shooting roughly 10 days after his arrest, authorities said. Ballistic testing confirmed the shell casings matched a firearm found in Hawk’s possession at the time of his arrest.

During the sentencing hearing, Rooks’ siblings addressed Judge Courtney L. Johnson and argued that Hawk should have received a longer prison term. The case marked a tragic turning point for the rapper, who had risen to fame as a teenager but later became entangled in a string of legal and personal troubles.

Hawk’s attorneys presented his long history of mental health issues in court, which factored into the “guilty but mentally ill” plea designation. In a 2019 interview on the syndicated medical talk show The Doctors, Hawk spoke candidly about his battles with depression and the mental illness he witnessed growing up.

“I’ve been fighting demons my whole life,” he said. “Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous — it just adds more pressure.”

Hawk added that while fame brought attention, it also brought harsh public scrutiny. “I don’t know if I can truly be happy,” he said. “I don’t know if these demons will ever go away.”

His publicist, Chanel Hudson, said after his arrest that Hawk had been “suffering immensely from a series of mental health illnesses,” and revealed that he had attempted suicide in 2020.

In the months leading up to the fatal shooting, Hawk had several high-profile arrests. In August 2020, he was arrested in Santa Ana, California, on domestic violence charges. A day later, Los Angeles police charged him with assault with a deadly weapon after he reportedly entered a stranger’s home searching for his girlfriend and swung a hatchet at two individuals before being disarmed.

Later that year, in October 2020, Hawk was arrested again after DeKalb County police said he was clocked driving at 143 mph on Interstate 85.

Silentó became a household name in 2015 when his debut single “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” sparked an international dance craze and earned hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. At the time, he was still a high school student in suburban Atlanta. Although he released additional music, his career gradually faded amid his growing mental health and legal struggles.

With Wednesday’s sentence, Hawk faces decades in state custody, closing the chapter on a career that once symbolized viral success but ultimately unraveled under the weight of personal and psychological turmoil.

Movie Mogul Harvey Weinstein Convicted of Top Charge in Retrial of #MeToo-Era Sex Crimes Case

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Movie Mogul Harvey Weinstein Convicted of Top Charge in Retrial of #MeToo-Era Sex Crimes Case

NEW YORK (BN24) — A Manhattan jury on Wednesday convicted former movie producer Harvey Weinstein on one of the top charges in his high-profile sex crimes retrial, while acquitting him on another and remaining deadlocked on a third. The partial verdict reopened a landmark #MeToo case that had been thrown into question after Weinstein’s original conviction was overturned last year.

The jury found Weinstein guilty of a first-degree criminal sex act against Miriam Haley, a former television production assistant, stemming from a 2006 assault. He was acquitted of a similar charge involving former model and therapist Kaja Sokola. Jurors will return Thursday to continue deliberations on a third charge of third-degree rape involving actress and hairstylist Jessica Mann, who alleged Weinstein assaulted her in 2013.

Weinstein, 73, maintains his innocence and has denied all accusations of sexual assault or rape.

The split verdict followed a tense day in court, with the jury foreperson privately expressing concern over alleged bullying and pressure from fellow jurors. According to Judge Curtis Farber, the foreperson told the court he felt unable to return to deliberations due to conflict among jurors, including a comment from another member suggesting a confrontation outside the courthouse.

Weinstein made an unusual request to address the court directly, declaring: “My life is on the line, and you know what? It’s not fair… It’s time to say this trial is over.”

Defense attorney Arthur Aidala moved for a mistrial, citing concerns for the jury foreperson’s safety and the integrity of deliberations. The motion was denied by the judge, who noted the foreperson did not appear fearful, only unwilling to compromise his position. The prosecution, led by Matthew Colangelo, objected to the mistrial request, describing the juror as merely “stubborn.”

Weinstein’s retrial marked a renewed focus on the man whose fall from grace helped launch the global #MeToo movement in 2017. Once a fixture in Hollywood with Oscar-winning films such as Shakespeare in Love and The English Patient, Weinstein became a central figure in the public reckoning over sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.

His original conviction in 2020 was hailed as a milestone for survivors of sexual violence, but it was overturned by New York’s highest court in 2024, citing procedural errors. The retrial, which began in the same Manhattan courthouse, was narrower in scope. Prosecutors were not allowed to introduce supporting testimony from accusers not directly tied to the current charges — a key factor in the retrial’s outcome.

Throughout the retrial, Weinstein’s accusers detailed how he leveraged his industry power to isolate and assault them, often under the guise of career advancement. The prosecution presented accounts from women who testified about non-consensual encounters that left them traumatized, though some acknowledged maintaining contact with Weinstein afterward — a dynamic they attributed to fear, confusion, and the desire to preserve professional opportunities.

In one instance, Haley emotionally confronted Weinstein from the witness stand. Sokola, meanwhile, became visibly shaken when cross-examined using excerpts from her private journal. Mann, who claimed she was raped by Weinstein in 2013, testified about their complex and at times consensual relationship that continued both before and after the alleged assault.

Weinstein did not take the stand in his own defense. His legal team argued that the encounters were consensual and portrayed his accusers as aspiring actresses who later reframed the interactions to align with the cultural shift brought on by the #MeToo movement. The defense asserted that the women had consensual relationships with Weinstein and were now motivated by financial gain and public sympathy.

Weinstein is currently serving a separate 16-year sentence in California following a conviction on similar charges. That conviction stands while his New York retrial continues. Weinstein is appealing the California verdict.

The Manhattan retrial resumes Thursday, with jurors continuing to deliberate the remaining third-degree rape charge. Under New York law, the charge carries a lower maximum sentence than the more severe first-degree counts but remains a felony offense.

Over 200 Detained in LA Protests; Two Charged for Molotov Attacks on Police

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Over 200 Detained in LA Protests; Two Charged for Molotov Attacks on Police

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Los Angeles police detained more than 200 people during Tuesday night protests and confirmed two officers were injured in the ongoing unrest that has swept parts of the city this week. Two individuals were federally charged with allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails at officers, though no injuries resulted from the incendiary attacks, authorities said.

The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement Wednesday that 203 individuals were detained for failing to disperse after repeated orders, while 17 others were taken into custody for violating an 8 p.m. curfew in effect across parts of the city. Additional arrests were made for possessing a firearm, assaulting officers, and targeting a police airship with a laser.

Police said “numerous” less-lethal rounds were used to control crowds during the protest. Two officers sustained injuries Tuesday night, bringing the total number of injured officers to nine since the demonstrations began several days ago.

Molotov Cocktail Charges Announced

Federal authorities charged two people with possession of an unregistered destructive device in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks targeting law enforcement during the protests. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the charges during a news conference Wednesday, stating the crime carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

“You can make a statement, but you can’t throw bombs or Molotov cocktails,” Essayli said.

Officials said no officers were struck by the devices. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are reviewing surveillance video, body-worn camera footage, and social media content to identify additional suspects. Essayli said further charges are expected in the coming days and weeks.

DHS Announces Immigration Arrests Amid Unrest

Separately, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the arrests of nine individuals in Los Angeles on Monday and Tuesday, all with prior criminal convictions. The agency said the offenses ranged from homicide and burglary to drug trafficking and child endangerment.

In a sharply worded statement, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin criticized California officials for opposing federal immigration enforcement. “How much longer will Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass continue to prioritize these criminal illegal aliens over their own citizens?” McLaughlin said. “Secretary Kristi Noem has a message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law and arrest criminal illegal aliens.”

The arrests were framed by federal officials as part of a broader law enforcement crackdown in response to the week’s protests, which have drawn national attention for incidents of violence and alleged police overreach.

U.S., China Reach Framework Deal to Ease Export Curbs and Sustain Trade Truce-Reuters

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U.S., China Reach Framework Deal to Ease Export Curbs and Sustain Trade Truce-Reuters

LONDON (BN24) — The United States and China reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday aimed at reducing bilateral export restrictions and preserving a fragile trade truce, though deep-rooted economic tensions remain unresolved.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng leaves Lancaster House, on the second day scheduled for trade talks between the U.S. and China, in London, Britain, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville

After two days of negotiations in London, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that both sides had agreed on a framework to implement the consensus reached last month in Geneva. That earlier deal, which sought to ease retaliatory tariffs that had soared into the triple digits, had faltered due to China’s continued restrictions on rare earth mineral exports and Washington’s new export controls.

Lutnick said the London agreement includes a “balanced” rollback of Chinese export restrictions on rare earths and some recent U.S. export controls on advanced technologies like semiconductor software and aerospace goods, though he offered no specifics. “We have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus and the call between the two presidents,” he told reporters, noting both sides will now seek final approval from their respective leaders before implementation.

Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang confirmed a deal had been reached “in principle,” which will be presented to U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The talks came amid ongoing volatility in global markets following Trump’s unpredictable tariff measures, which have disrupted ports and strained corporate balance sheets worldwide. The World Bank, citing trade uncertainty, downgraded its global growth forecast for 2025 to 2.3%, warning that rising tariffs were a “significant headwind” to economic stability.

While the framework may prevent the collapse of the Geneva agreement, analysts remain skeptical about its durability. “They are back to square one but that’s much better than square zero,” said Josh Lipsky of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center. Major points of contention, including unilateral tariffs and China’s state-led economic model, remain unaddressed.

If no broader agreement is reached by the August 10 deadline, retaliatory tariff rates will snap back to 145% for U.S. imports from China and 125% for Chinese goods entering the U.S., up from current reduced levels of about 30% and 10%, respectively.

Financial markets responded cautiously. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.57%, with investors largely pricing in expectations. “The devil will be in the details,” said Chris Weston of Pepperstone in Melbourne. “Markets are waiting to see the actual terms, especially regarding rare earth flows to the U.S. and chip exports back to China.”

Signs of progress emerged as several Chinese rare earth magnet producers, including JL MAG Rare-Earth, Innuovo Technology, and Beijing Zhong Ke San Huan, confirmed they had received new export licenses from Chinese authorities. China dominates global supply chains for rare earth magnets, which are essential in electric vehicles and military equipment.

In April, Beijing halted exports of several critical minerals, causing global disruptions. The U.S. retaliated in May by restricting shipments of semiconductor design software, aviation equipment, and chemicals, revoking previously issued licenses.

China’s overall exports to the U.S. plummeted 34.5% in May, the steepest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to customs data released this week. While the tariffs’ direct impact on U.S. inflation and employment has been limited, business confidence has weakened and the dollar has come under sustained pressure.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, warned that prolonged trade disputes could result in lasting economic damage unless all parties address underlying policy imbalances.

Meanwhile, global industry leaders—including those from Mexico, the European Union, Japan, Canada, and aerospace firms—urged Washington to reconsider further tariffs on commercial aircraft parts, citing the potential for widespread disruptions.

Shortly after the framework was announced, a U.S. appeals court allowed Trump’s broadest tariff orders to remain in effect while reviewing a lower court ruling that questioned the legality of his sweeping trade powers. This keeps Trump’s 34% “reciprocal” tariffs on Chinese imports in place, sustaining one of his key leverage points.

Despite uncertainty, some observers viewed the London framework as a step toward stability. “Fighting a trade war in the context of global integration is a lose-lose situation for both sides,” said Peter Wu, a 28-year-old lawyer in Beijing. “This is a good signal.”

For now, both nations appear committed to avoiding immediate escalation. But the next two months will be critical as officials work to transform their fragile framework into a durable agreement that can withstand political and economic pressure on both sides.

French School Stabbing Leaves One Dead, Macron Condemns ‘Senseless Wave of Violence’

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French School Stabbing Leaves One Dead, Macron Condemns ‘Senseless Wave of Violence’

NOGENT, France (BN24) — A 31-year-old educational assistant was fatally stabbed Tuesday by a 15-year-old student during a routine bag check at a high school in northeastern France, authorities said, prompting a strong response from President Emmanuel Macron who decried a rising tide of violence in the country’s schools.

The attack occurred at a secondary school in Nogent, located in the Haute-Marne region, as students were arriving for the start of classes. According to the gendarmerie, the assistant was conducting bag inspections when she was repeatedly stabbed by the teenager. A police officer assisting with the checks was also injured, though not seriously.

The student, who had no prior criminal record, was taken into custody by authorities. Officials said the suspect was quickly subdued by responding gendarmes at the scene.

President Macron reacted to the tragedy on social media, stating, “While watching over our children in Nogent, an educational assistant lost her life — the victim of a senseless wave of violence. The nation is in mourning and the government is mobilized to reduce crime.”

The fatal stabbing has heightened national concerns about school safety. Education Minister Élisabeth Borne announced she was traveling to Nogent to meet with the school community and local law enforcement. The government has emphasized a renewed commitment to curbing violence within educational institutions.

In response to previous incidents and an increasing number of weapons found in schools, French authorities introduced bag checks at various institutions earlier this year. According to the Interior Ministry, 186 knives have been confiscated and 32 individuals detained during these inspections over the past two months.

“The threat of bladed weapons among our children has become critical,” Prime Minister François Bayrou wrote on the social media platform X following the attack. “It is up to us to make this widespread scourge a public enemy.”

Fatal school attacks remain rare in France, but Tuesday’s incident has renewed debate over the effectiveness of current safety measures and the broader societal issues fueling youth violence. Authorities have not yet provided details about the student’s motive.

As investigators continued their inquiry, the school community in Nogent was left reeling from the loss. Crisis counseling teams were dispatched to the school to support students and staff in the aftermath of the attack.

Coordinated Explosions Kill at Least Two, Injure Dozens in Southern Colombian City of Cali

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Coordinated Explosions Kill at Least Two, Injure Dozens in Southern Colombian City of Cali

CALI, Colombia (BN24) — A series of coordinated bombings struck the southwestern Colombian city of Cali on Tuesday, killing at least two people and wounding dozens more in what authorities described as targeted attacks on police facilities. The explosions, which also rocked neighboring towns, come amid heightened political tension and ahead of a planned presidential visit.

The blasts erupted across several neighborhoods in Cali, including Meléndez, Manuela Beltrán, and Los Mangos. At least one of the explosives is believed to have been planted on a motorcycle, according to local officials. Spanish news agency EFE reported that at least 36 people were injured in the wave of violence.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed the attacks via social media, stating that emergency responders and health services were deployed to the affected sites. “Our security forces are on the scene and health teams are on alert in case of further incidents,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Graphic video circulating online showed scenes of chaos as injured civilians lay on the ground while bystanders and police offered assistance. The Colombian Army attributed the attacks to a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), led by Néstor Gregorio Vera, known as Iván Mordisco.

Authorities said the violence extended beyond Cali. Explosions were also reported in Jamundí, a nearby municipality, and in Cauca department, where car bombs detonated in El Bordo and Corinto caused material damage. In the town of Caloto, a police officer was killed by a sniper, and another explosive device targeted a toll booth in Villa Rica, roughly 20 kilometers from Cali.

“These cowardly attacks directly targeted police and disrupted civilian life,” the Army’s Third Division said in a statement, expressing support for security personnel and pledging continued defense of public safety.

The surge in violence follows the attempted assassination of a conservative senator in Bogotá just days earlier. The lawmaker, 39-year-old Miguel, was shot twice in the head by a teenage gunman during a campaign event in the capital. The attack has deepened fears of escalating instability ahead of national elections.

Tuesday’s bombings occurred on the eve of a planned visit to Cali by President Gustavo Petro, who was expected to participate in a labor union-led demonstration in support of his stalled labor reform initiative. With mounting opposition in the legislature, the government has suggested the reform may be advanced through a national referendum.

While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, suspicion has focused on armed guerrilla groups operating in Colombia’s southwest, particularly factions that splintered from the FARC following its 2016 peace agreement with the government. These dissident groups continue to maintain a presence in rural and urban areas of Cauca and Valle del Cauca.

As security forces secured blast zones and launched investigations, residents in Cali remained on edge, bracing for potential further violence.

Israeli Gunfire Kills 17 Palestinians Near Aid Distribution Site in Central Gaza, Officials Say

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Israeli Gunfire Kills 17 Palestinians Near Aid Distribution Site in Central Gaza, Officials Say

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (BN24) — At least 17 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured by Israeli gunfire Tuesday near a humanitarian aid distribution site in central Gaza, according to local health officials. The shooting occurred as thousands of displaced civilians gathered in the early hours near a location operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

The casualties were transported to Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat camp and Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City, health authorities said. The incident, one of the deadliest in recent days involving aid seekers, underscored growing desperation among Gaza’s displaced population amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The Israeli military confirmed its forces had opened fire, stating the shots were aimed at “suspects” in the Wadi Gaza area who allegedly posed a threat. It said the warning shots were fired “hundreds of meters from the aid distribution site, prior to its opening hours” and claimed the reported casualty figures did not align with its intelligence. The military has previously accused Hamas militants of exploiting aid convoys to launch attacks and disrupt distribution efforts.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates under U.S. support, said the shooting occurred hours before aid was scheduled to be distributed. “This incident happened several hours before we began operations outside of our distribution site,” the group said, redirecting further inquiries to the Israeli military. The foundation reported that deliveries proceeded without incident at three separate sites across southern and central Gaza on Tuesday.

However, witnesses and aid recipients painted a grim picture of chaos surrounding the aid sites, with long journeys, limited supplies, and growing violence. “I went there at 2 a.m. hoping to get some food,” said Mohammad Abu Amr, a 40-year-old father of two. “Dozens of thousands arrive from central and northern areas, some walking over 20 kilometers, only to return empty-handed.” He said he heard gunfire but did not witness the shooting itself.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the current aid model, describing it as unsafe and degrading. “Day after day, casualties & scores of injured are reported at distribution points manned by Israel & private security companies,” he wrote on X. He urged for food aid to be managed solely by the United Nations, citing the agency’s experience, infrastructure, and community trust. Israel has called for UNRWA to be dismantled, alleging ties to Hamas — accusations the agency denies.

Tuesday’s violence contributed to a mounting death toll in Gaza, where Israeli strikes also killed at least eight people in a separate attack on a house in Deir al-Balah, health authorities said. The day’s total fatalities reached at least 25. The Israeli military said it intercepted a rocket fired from northern Gaza, suggesting Hamas and allied groups retain some launching capabilities despite months of Israeli bombardment.

In northern Gaza, food insecurity escalated as looters, including desperate civilians, seized at least 40 trucks carrying flour near Gaza City’s Nabulsi roundabout. The U.N. has warned of looming famine in the besieged enclave, home to 2.3 million people. Although Israel resumed limited U.N.-led operations on May 19 following an 11-week blockade, humanitarian officials continue to describe the aid reaching Gaza as “a drop in the ocean.”

The conflict, now in its ninth month, erupted after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and abducted 251 others during an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 — the deadliest single day in Israel’s history. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign that has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, the majority of them civilians, according to health officials in Gaza. Much of the coastal territory has since been reduced to rubble.

Greta Thunberg Accuses Israel of Kidnapping After Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted in International Waters

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Greta Thunberg Accuses Israel of Kidnapping After Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted in International Waters

PARIS (BN24) — Swedish climate and human rights activist Greta Thunberg accused Israeli forces of kidnapping her and fellow pro-Palestinian demonstrators in international waters after their Gaza-bound aid vessel was intercepted and seized this week. Speaking at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris following her deportation from Israel, Thunberg said she refused to sign documents declaring that she had entered the country illegally.

Thunberg, 22, was among 12 people aboard a humanitarian ship attempting to breach Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza. The vessel was intercepted by the Israeli navy early Monday while still in international waters, according to the activist. Thunberg and the others were detained before being brought into Israeli territory, where she said they were held against their will.

“I was very clear in my testimony that we were kidnapped on international waters and brought against our own will into Israel,” Thunberg told reporters in Paris on Tuesday. “We broke no laws.”

The high-profile campaigner demanded the immediate release of the other activists still detained in Israel, emphasizing that their mission was peaceful and aimed at delivering aid to the besieged coastal enclave.

The Israeli military has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza for over a decade, citing security concerns tied to the Hamas-led government in the territory. Attempts to breach the blockade by activists and aid organizations have been routinely stopped by Israeli forces.

Thunberg’s participation in the maritime protest attracted international attention, particularly due to her global prominence as a climate and social justice advocate. Responding to a comment from U.S. President Donald Trump — who once labeled her an “angry person” — Thunberg replied with a laugh: “I think the world needs a lot more young angry women, to be honest, especially with everything going on right now.”

Thunberg landed in Paris a day after being deported from Israel. Authorities there have not publicly commented on her allegations of being taken from international waters, though they confirmed the operation was carried out near Gaza to prevent unauthorized entry into a conflict zone.

Diddy’s Ex Alleges Violent Assault and Coerced Sex Encounter After 2024 Apology Statement

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Diddy’s Ex Alleges Violent Assault and Coerced Sex Encounter After 2024 Apology Statement

NEW YORK (BN24) — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former girlfriend testified in harrowing detail Monday that the music mogul violently assaulted her and forced her into a coerced sexual encounter with a male sex worker just weeks after his public apology for abusing another woman surfaced online in 2024.

The woman, testifying under the pseudonym “Jane” for a third consecutive day in federal court, told jurors that Combs attacked her at his California home on June 18, 2024, after an argument sparked by her confronting him about infidelity. The alleged assault, she said, involved Combs putting her in a chokehold, punching her in the face, kicking down doors and dragging her back into the house after she attempted to flee.

According to Jane, the night she had hoped would be romantic turned violent. After the beating, she said Combs gave her ecstasy and forced her into what he described as a “freak-off” with a male sex worker. “You’re not going to ruin my night like this,” she recalled him saying, adding that she tried to resist, only to be asked: “Then is this coercion?”

The incident occurred during an ongoing federal investigation that led to Combs’ arrest in September 2024. He has since pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could result in a life sentence if convicted.

Jane recounted that she had run several blocks away to hide for hours before returning, only to encounter Combs again. She described being chased into a backyard, beaten again, and ultimately dragged by her hair back into the house. In the shower, she said, Combs struck her so forcefully she collapsed. Despite her visible injuries, he allegedly instructed her to apply makeup and fix her hair for the arrival of the male sex worker.

The testimony draws disturbing parallels to a separate civil lawsuit filed in November 2023 by R&B singer Cassie, Combs’ former longtime girlfriend, who accused him of orchestrating drug-fueled group sex marathons referred to as “freak-offs.” That lawsuit was settled within a day for $20 million. Jane testified that when she read Cassie’s claims, she felt as if she were “reading [her] own sexual trauma,” saying the allegations mirrored her experience “word for word.”

Jane is among several women to publicly describe allegations of abuse at the hands of the Bad Boy Records founder. As she left the witness stand Monday, she said of Combs, “I just pray for his continued healing.”

Her testimony continues this week as prosecutors near the end of their presentation. Combs’ legal team is expected to begin cross-examination on Tuesday.

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