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Trial Begins for 84 Congolese Soldiers Accused of Crimes Against Civilians

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The trial of 84 Congolese soldiers accused of murder, rape, and other crimes against civilians in the war-torn east of the country opened Monday in a military court. 

The soldiers allegedly broke into civilian homes across multiple villages in the Kabare and Kalehe territories of South Kivu province over the weekend, killing at least 12 people and raping several women, according to Pascal Mupenda, a lawyer representing civilian victims. 

“They turned their weapons against the civilian population they were supposed to protect, while the enemy was at our doors,” Mupenda told the Associated Press, adding that more soldiers will face trial in the coming days. 

The accused appeared before a military court in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for all defendants. The Democratic Republic of Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on capital punishment in March, a move widely criticized by human rights organizations. The country’s last execution took place in 2003. 

Zawadi Chapo Ombeni, a resident of Kavumu, recounted being beaten and robbed by soldiers while trying to flee an advancing rebel offensive. 

“We were robbed by military personnel known by the state, that are serving the state,” Ombeni said in a phone interview. “We ask the state to compensate us because everything we had was taken away by these military personnel.” 

The trial takes place amid escalating violence in South Kivu, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been making significant territorial gains. The rebels, who recently captured the strategic city of Goma in neighboring North Kivu province, have been engaged in intense fighting with Congolese forces. Since late January, at least 3,000 people have been killed and nearly as many injured. 

Last week, M23 rebels declared a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid, but the Congolese government dismissed the announcement as “false communication.” 

The United Nations has accused Rwanda of deploying 4,000 troops to support M23, making it the most powerful among more than 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo. The region is rich in minerals crucial for global technology production. 

On Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Council launched a commission to investigate atrocities committed by both the Congolese army and M23 rebels since the beginning of the year. The inquiry will focus on reports of mass rapes, summary executions, and other war crimes.

Former Colombian President Uribe Denies Bribery and Witness Tampering Charges in Landmark Trial

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Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe denied charges of bribery and witness tampering Monday in a historic trial, marking the first time a former president has faced criminal prosecution in the country. 

Speaking before a judge in Bogotá, Uribe dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. 

The charges stem from allegations that Uribe attempted to manipulate witnesses in a case initiated by leftist Senator Iván Cepeda. Cepeda accused the conservative leader of having ties to paramilitary groups formed in the 1990s to combat leftist rebels. 

Uribe originally filed a libel lawsuit against Cepeda in 2012 with the Supreme Court, which handles investigations into elected officials. However, in a dramatic twist, the court dismissed the case against Cepeda and instead launched an investigation into Uribe in 2018. 

Following Uribe’s retirement from the Senate, the case was transferred to a lower court. Prosecutors initially hesitated to file formal charges, citing a lack of evidence, but proceedings gained momentum after President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader, took office in 2022. 

Uribe was officially charged in 2023, and his trial began last week. 

Uribe, who served as Colombia’s president from 2002 to 2010, remains a polarizing figure. His administration, backed by the U.S., achieved major military victories against rebel groups, pushing the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) into remote areas and paving the way for a 2016 peace deal that led to the disarmament of over 13,000 fighters. 

Despite the charges, Uribe commands strong support among Colombians, particularly conservatives. Dozens of supporters gathered outside the courthouse Monday, waving Colombian flags and wearing masks depicting his face. 

“It was my patriotic duty to come here and support this great Colombian,” said Jesús Vivas, a 67-year-old supporter. “He saved this country when it was about to collapse.” 

Prosecutors allege that Uribe hired a lawyer who met with imprisoned former paramilitary members, pressuring them to alter testimony they had given to Cepeda. 

Uribe denied witness tampering but admitted reaching out to former paramilitary members to verify testimony also used in the trial of his brother, Santiago Uribe. Santiago was acquitted last year of murder and paramilitary support charges. 

If convicted, Uribe could face up to 12 years in prison. However, the case has a statute of limitations set to expire in October, giving the court just eight months to issue a verdict.

Dominican National Sentenced to Nine Years for Deadly Human Smuggling Operation

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A Dominican national was sentenced Monday to nine years in prison for his role in a human smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 11 migrants attempting to reach the United States. 

According to court records, Fermin Montilla, 45, piloted a vessel on the night of May 12, 2022, carrying 48 individuals from the Dominican Republic toward Puerto Rico. During the journey, the boat took on water and capsized, leading to 11 drownings. 

“The defendant attempted to illegally smuggle 48 migrants into the United States, leading to the tragic deaths of 11 people,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human smugglers threaten national security and exploit vulnerable people for profit with no regard for their safety.” 

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico echoed those concerns, stating, “These operations not only violate U.S. law but also endanger lives, as we tragically saw in this case. We remain committed to dismantling criminal smuggling networks.” 

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos reinforced the message, warning that smugglers endanger lives for profit. “In this one incident, we lost 11 lives. We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those responsible for exploiting immigration laws.” 

Montilla pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2024, to one count of bringing unauthorized migrants into the U.S. at a location other than a designated port of entry, resulting in death. 

The case was investigated by HSI San Juan, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Trial Attorney Angela Buckner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena Daniel prosecuted the case. 

The investigation was part of the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT), a joint initiative between the Justice Department and HSI targeting smuggling networks that pose national security risks or humanitarian concerns. 

Last June, the Justice Department proposed the Deterring Human Smuggling and Harm to Victims Act of 2024, which seeks to increase penalties for prolific and dangerous smugglers. The proposal would impose steeper sentencing guidelines based on the number of people smuggled, injuries or deaths caused, and additional enhancements for crimes committed during the smuggling process. 

U.S. officials continue working with Congress to advance the proposal, aiming to hold smugglers accountable for the full extent of harm caused by these dangerous operations.

DOJ

EU, Canada Prepare Retaliation as Trump Raises Steel, Aluminum Tariffs

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President Donald Trump imposed a blanket 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports Monday, eliminating previous exemptions and sparking immediate pushback from key U.S. trading partners.

The new measures, taking effect March 4, remove country-specific exceptions and product exclusions that had allowed millions of tons of metals to enter the United States duty-free from nations including Canada, Brazil, Mexico and South Korea.

“It’s 25% without exceptions or exemptions. That’s all countries, no matter where it comes from,” Trump told reporters at the White House. The aluminum rate increased from his previous 10% levy.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would respond with “firm and proportionate countermeasures” to protect its interests. EU steel exports to the U.S. have averaged about 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) annually over the past decade.

The EU could revive previously suspended tariffs on U.S. products including bourbon, motorcycles and orange juice. Those measures, originally imposed in 2018, are currently suspended until March’s end.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking at the Paris artificial intelligence summit, called the tariffs “unacceptable” and promised a strong response if needed. Canada provides nearly 80% of U.S. primary aluminum imports.

Trump announced plans to implement a North American standard requiring steel to be “melted and poured” and aluminum to be “smelted and cast” within the region, aiming to prevent Chinese and Russian metals from circumventing existing trade restrictions.

The move sent gold prices to a record $2,942.70 in Asian trading Tuesday before settling at $2,909.49, up 0.1% at 0916 GMT.

Steel imports represented approximately 23% of American steel consumption in 2023, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, with Canada, Brazil and Mexico serving as the largest suppliers.

Trump indicated he would announce reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing duties on U.S. goods in the coming days, adding he’s considering additional tariffs on cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Tags: international trade, tariffs, Donald Trump, European Union, Canada, steel industry, aluminum industry, trade policy, global markets, metal imports

71-Year-Old Woman Survives After Truck Runs Over Her Head on Daytona Beach

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A 71-year-old New York woman survived having her head run over by a truck while sitting in a beach chair at Daytona Beach, authorities reported.

The incident occurred near the Silver Beach Avenue beach ramp on February 5, when a Chevrolet Colorado driven by an 84-year-old woman struck the victim while exiting a parking spot, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, who was not identified by authorities, told investigators she was unaware she had struck anyone until a witness chased her down. She remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

“Hurry up. They ran over her head,” the victim’s husband told 911 dispatchers, according to local media outlet WESH 2. “She’s talking but she’s not alright.”

Despite the severity of the incident, the victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening head injuries and remains in stable condition.

The sheriff’s office confirmed Monday that the investigation into the incident continues, with no additional updates available.

The unusual accident highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle access and safety on Florida’s beaches, where cars are permitted to drive on certain sections of sand.

Teen Killed, 6 Adults Wounded in Los Angeles House Party Shooting

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A 16-year-old boy was killed and six adults were wounded when gunfire erupted at a large house party in suburban Los Angeles early Sunday morning, police reported.

The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. in Tarzana, a San Fernando Valley community located about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire and discovered a massive gathering of 200-300 people at the residence.

Officers found the teenage victim lying in the driveway with gunshot wounds. The Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced him dead at the scene. Officials are withholding the victim’s identity pending family notification.

Six adults also suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to local hospitals. The injured include two 36-year-old men and a 20-year-old man taken by ambulance, while a 37-year-old man, a 19-year-old man, and a 20-year-old woman reached hospitals by private vehicles. Their conditions remain unknown.

“Some sort of altercation occurred which resulted in multiple shots being fired,” LAPD Lt. Guy Golan told KTLA-TV. Police have not established a motive for the shooting. The shooter remains at large as of Monday morning. LAPD urges anyone with information to contact their Valley Bureau homicide division or submit anonymous tips through LA Crime Stoppers

Trump Demands $500B in Rare Earths from Ukraine for Continued U.S. Support

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President Donald Trump has demanded that Ukraine provide $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals in exchange for continued U.S. financial and military support, signaling a transactional shift in American foreign aid policy. 

In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Trump said the U.S. should receive a share of Ukraine’s vast natural resources as compensation for the aid provided to Kyiv in its fight against Russia. 

“I told them [Ukraine] that I want the equivalent of $500 billion worth of rare earth. And they’ve essentially agreed to do that so at least we don’t feel stupid,” Trump said. “Otherwise, we’re stupid. I said to them, ‘We have to get something. We can’t continue to pay this money.’” 

Ukraine possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements essential for modern technology and defense industries. Additionally, it has extensive coal, oil, gas, and uranium deposits, though many are located in Russian-controlled territories. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has floated the idea of allowing U.S. companies to develop the country’s resources as part of Ukraine’s broader “victory plan.” This strategy, introduced last year, aims to leverage economic and security policies to maintain Western support and achieve a just peace with Russia. 

“The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most,” Zelensky said in an interview with Reuters on Friday. “I would also like to talk about this with President Trump.” 

Trump has previously expressed interest in securing Ukraine’s mineral wealth to counter China’s dominance in the global rare earth market. Earlier this month, he stated in the Oval Office, “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things.” 

The remarks have drawn international criticism, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denouncing Trump’s approach as “very egotistic, very self-centered.” 

As Ukraine continues to rely on Western military and economic assistance, Trump’s demand for compensation marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, raising questions about the future of American support for Kyiv and the geopolitical competition for critical resources. 

Trump Orders Pause on Foreign Bribery Law Enforcement, Drawing Criticism- Reuters

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday directing the Justice Department to suspend enforcement of a landmark anti-bribery law, marking a significant shift in U.S. efforts to combat international corruption.

The order temporarily halts prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a 1977 law prohibiting U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been instructed to review past enforcement actions and develop new guidelines.

“It’s going to mean a lot more business for America,” Trump said during the Oval Office signing ceremony. The president, who previously called FCPA a “horrible law,” had attempted to strike down the legislation during his first term.

The White House released a factsheet claiming the law creates “an uneven playing field” for American companies competing internationally. According to the document, 26 FCPA-related enforcement actions were filed in 2024, with 31 companies under investigation by year’s end.

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International strongly criticized the move. “This diminishes – and could pave the way for completely eliminating – the crown jewel in the U.S.’s fight against global corruption,” said Gary Kalman, executive director of Transparency International U.S.

The law has previously led to investigations of major corporations including Goldman Sachs, Glencore, and Walmart. The administration’s new directive calls for “revised, reasonable enforcement guidelines” aimed at reducing barriers for U.S. businesses operating abroad.

The suspension marks a dramatic departure from decades of American leadership in combating international business corruption.

First US Lawsuit Filed Against Tate Brothers Over Sex Work Allegations

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A 23-year-old American woman has filed the first United States lawsuit against internet personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate, accusing them of attempting to coerce her into sex work and subsequent defamation, according to court documents filed Monday in Florida.

The plaintiff, proceeding anonymously as Jane Doe, alleges the brothers tried to lure her to Romania and later engaged in harassment following her testimony to Romanian authorities. The court granted anonymity to Doe and her parents citing safety concerns, the New York Times reported.

The civil complaint comes amid ongoing legal challenges facing the Tate brothers in multiple jurisdictions. The brothers had previously filed a defamation suit against the woman in 2023, which she characterizes in her filing as an attempt to “bully and harass” her.

Joseph D. McBride, attorney for the Tate brothers, told the Times there was no evidence supporting human trafficking allegations against his clients, maintaining their innocence.

The brothers face separate criminal investigations in Romania, where Andrew Tate was recently released from house arrest to a lighter preventative measure. A previous criminal case collapsed in December when the Bucharest Court of Appeals ruled against proceeding to trial.

The Tates, former kickboxers with dual U.S. and British citizenship, are among the highest-profile suspects in Romanian human trafficking investigations. They face accusations including forming an organized criminal group, human trafficking, and money laundering. Both have consistently denied all wrongdoing.

Representatives for the Tate brothers were not immediately available for comment on the Florida lawsuit.

Reuters

Russia Sets Firm Conditions for Ukraine Peace Talks Following Trump’s Remarks on Putin Contact

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Russia has reinforced its firm stance on Ukraine peace negotiations, insisting that President Vladimir Putin’s demands must be fully met before the war can end. The statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments suggesting potential contact with Putin. 

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that Moscow will not compromise on its conditions, set out by Putin in June 2023. These include Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions and withdrawing troops from four regions claimed by Russia. 

“The political solution as we envisage it cannot be achieved otherwise than through the full implementation of what was pronounced by President Putin,” Ryabkov told reporters in Moscow. “The sooner the U.S., Britain, and others understand this, the closer we will be to a resolution.” 

Trump Hints at Putin Contact, Kremlin Remains Silent

Trump, who has repeatedly pledged to end the war swiftly, told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that he had spoken with Putin but did not provide details. 

“I’ve had it. Let’s just say I’ve had it,” Trump said when asked about direct communication with the Russian leader. 

The Kremlin declined to confirm or deny any contact between the two leaders. However, Moscow quickly reaffirmed its conditions for peace, signaling an uncompromising approach to negotiations. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reinforced Moscow’s position, stating that Russia is ready for talks only if its national security interests are upheld. He pointed to what Moscow views as the “fundamental reasons” behind the conflict, including Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and alleged suppression of Russian language and culture. 

Ukraine has previously rejected Putin’s conditions, calling them tantamount to surrender. Kyiv remains committed to regaining lost territory and pursuing NATO membership. 

The war, which began in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022, remains the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea and four regions in eastern and southern Ukraine. 

U.S. Approach to Ukraine and Future Negotiations 

Despite Trump’s calls for a swift resolution, Ryabkov said Russia has not observed a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine. He warned that Moscow would not accept negotiations framed as ultimatums. 

“Without solving the problems which were the root causes of what is happening, it will not be possible to reach an agreement,” Ryabkov said. “Variations and half-measures are not the path we are prepared to go along.” 

Western nations, led by the U.S., have continued to support Ukraine with military aid and financial assistance, arguing that Russia’s invasion constitutes an illegal land grab. The Biden administration has supplied billions of dollars in military equipment, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed rare earth mineral exports to the U.S. in exchange for further aid. 

Putin remains open to discussing a peace deal with Trump but has ruled out major territorial concessions and insists that Kyiv abandon its NATO ambitions, according to a Reuters report in November. 

As geopolitical tensions remain high, all eyes are on how Trump, Putin, and other global leaders will navigate the complex path toward a potential resolution. 

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