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US House Votes to Sanction International Criminal Court Over Israel Arrest Warrants

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The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over their involvement in Israel’s Gaza campaign.

The vote passed with a 243-140 majority in favor of the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” which would sanction foreign individuals who investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. citizens or nationals from allied countries, including Israel, who are not members of the ICC.

Forty-five Democrats joined 198 Republicans in supporting the bill, while no Republican opposed it. Representative Brian Mast, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the court a “kangaroo court” seeking to arrest Israel’s prime minister, emphasizing the strong U.S. backing for Israel.

This vote highlights the continued support for Israel within the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, particularly as President-elect Donald Trump’s allies assert their position in Congress.

The ICC did not immediately comment on the vote. The Trump administration previously imposed sanctions on the ICC in 2020, in response to investigations into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. These sanctions were lifted by the Biden administration, but Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated in May 2024 that the U.S. may consider re-imposing sanctions over the ICC’s pursuit of arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.

The newly passed sanctions also target individuals who assist the ICC in its work. ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane warned in December that such sanctions could undermine the court’s operations and jeopardize its existence.

Trump, who is set to begin his second term on January 20, is expected to sign the sanctions bill into law, with Senate Republican leader John Thune promising swift consideration of the measure in his chamber.

The ICC, which prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression, has defended its actions, stating that the arrest warrants were issued based on a thorough investigation and sufficient evidence. The court’s decision to pursue the warrants has sparked backlash from Republicans, who accuse the Israeli officials of war crimes in the ongoing Gaza conflict, which Israel denies.

US to Return $52.88 Million in Assets Forfeited by Former Nigerian Oil Minister

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The United States and Nigeria signed an agreement on Friday to repatriate $52.88 million in assets forfeited by Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former oil minister, and her associates.

This agreement marks the first repatriation of assets outside Nigeria related to Alison-Madueke. Nigerian Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi confirmed that the funds are linked to the forfeiture of the Galactica assets, which were tied to Alison-Madueke and her associates.

The repatriation follows a civil complaint filed by the U.S. Justice Department in 2017, seeking to recover $144 million in assets allegedly obtained through bribery. The lawsuit claimed that two Nigerian businessmen conspired with others to bribe Alison-Madueke, who served as Minister of Petroleum Resources and oversaw the state-owned oil company, NNPC Ltd.

Alison-Madueke, whose current location is unclear but was last reported to be in Britain, has denied any involvement in corruption. She served as oil minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015.

The repatriated funds will be used to support rural electrification projects in Nigeria. According to Fagbemi, $50 million will be allocated to increasing access to renewable energy, while the remaining $2.88 million will be granted to the International Institute for Justice to enhance counter-terrorism efforts across Africa.

In October 2022, a Nigerian court ordered the final seizure of two properties and cars owned by Alison-Madueke.

Chad Investigates Foiled Attempt to Storm Presidential Compound

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Chad’s public prosecutor confirmed on Thursday that a foiled attack on the presidential compound in the capital, N’Djamena, was carried out by a group of two dozen armed individuals. The attackers, described as “ill-intentioned,” were neutralized by security forces.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday night, when bursts of gunfire were heard near the presidential office. The military responded by blocking surrounding streets. The government later stated that the attack was part of an attempt to destabilize the country but assured that the situation was under control.

The foiled attack comes at a sensitive time for Chad, which recently ended its defense cooperation pact with France, its long-time Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel region. The region has faced insurgencies from groups linked to Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram for over a decade.

According to the public prosecutor, the 24 armed assailants approached the presidential palace on Wednesday evening, feigned a breakdown, and attacked security guards at the gate. Two guards were killed, and five others were injured. Security forces killed 18 of the attackers and wounded six, who were taken to the hospital.

Investigations are ongoing to identify the masterminds and accomplices of the attack. Abderaman Koulamallah, government spokesperson, mentioned that the attackers appeared intoxicated and disorganized, carrying only knives and machetes, and suggested it was “probably not” a terrorist act.

While the exact motive remains unclear, security sources speculated that the attack might be linked to jihadist groups, ethnic tensions, or the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. However, it is still too early to draw conclusions.

On Thursday morning, N’Djamena returned to calm, though military forces continued to block access to neighborhoods around the presidential palace. President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who took power after the death of his father, long-time president Idriss Deby, is facing high tensions in the country.

Enrica Picco, an expert at Crisis Group, noted that the swift response by security forces indicated that the presidency was on high alert due to the presence of numerous enemies seeking to challenge or replace Deby’s administration.

Nigeria’s EFCC Arrests Four Chinese Nationals, 101 Nigerians for Suspected Internet Fraud in Abuja

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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians in connection with suspected internet fraud at a business apartment in the Gudu area of Abuja.

The EFCC confirmed the arrests on Thursday, January 9, 2025, via a tweet on its official X handle. The suspects, which include 67 males (four Chinese nationals) and 38 females, are alleged to have been involved in a hotel review job scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world.

The commission stated that the suspects would face charges in court upon completion of the ongoing investigation.

In recent months, the EFCC has intensified its efforts to combat internet fraud and other forms of corruption. In October 2024, the commission secured convictions of 10 individuals for internet-related offenses, including fraud, impersonation, and employment scams.

Additionally, the EFCC carried out its largest single-day crackdown on cryptocurrency and romance scam syndicates in December 2024, arresting 792 suspects in Lagos. The raid saw 158 foreigners and 634 Nigerians apprehended.

The EFCC also revealed that it dismissed 27 of its officers in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities. This followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were ratified by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

The commission is also investigating a $400,000 claim made by an unidentified individual alleging misconduct involving a Sectional Head at the EFCC.

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Benin Army Suffers Significant Losses in Northern Attack

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Benin’s armed forces sustained heavy casualties during an attack on one of their most fortified military positions in the north, where troops have been battling cross-border incursions by Islamist militants. 

Colonel Faizou Gomina, the national guard’s chief of staff, acknowledged the severity of Wednesday’s attack in a statement on Thursday but did not provide specific details about the death toll or the exact location. 

However, Benin’s main opposition party, The Democrats, reported that around 30 soldiers were killed in the Alibori department, a region bordering Niger and Burkina Faso—countries grappling with persistent insurgencies by groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda. 

“This is a very hard blow for us,” Colonel Gomina admitted in his statement, calling on military leaders to reassess their strategies. 

“The position attacked yesterday was one of the strongest and most militarized,” Gomina said. “Wake up, officers and section chiefs. We have battles to win.” 

The colonel urged commanders to enhance their leadership and tactics to address the growing threat posed by militant groups in the region. 

Benin and its coastal neighbor Togo have experienced an uptick in attacks over recent years, as Islamist groups expand their activities beyond the central Sahel region into West Africa’s northern coastal states. 

Both countries are working to curb the spread of violence, which has escalated due to cross-border raids and the shifting operations of insurgent groups. 

This latest attack underscores the challenges faced by Benin’s military as it tries to bolster security in a region plagued by instability and violence. 

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Mario Machado Freed After Detention Amid Protests; Government Denies Involvement

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Opposition leader María Corina Machado was released on Thursday after a brief detention during a protest in eastern Caracas. Her political party, Vente Venezuela, confirmed the release, accusing security forces of detaining her amidst gunfire as she left the rally. 

The protest was part of nationwide demonstrations aimed at pressuring President Nicolás Maduro ahead of his controversial third-term inauguration on Friday. Machado, making her first public appearance in months, had urged citizens to take to the streets and support opposition leader Edmundo González, whom the opposition claims won last year’s disputed presidential election. 

Detention Sparks Outcry

Machado’s detention drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders and international governments. Former presidential candidate Edmundo González called for her immediate release, while U.S. officials and other leaders denounced the incident. 

During her detention, Machado was allegedly coerced into recording videos, according to a statement from Vente Venezuela. Machado later posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m in a safe place now and with more determination than ever,” promising to elaborate on the incident during Friday’s events. 

Government officials, however, denied any involvement. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello dismissed the detention claims as an opposition ploy to garner international support. “They lie to say the government had captured María Corina,” Cabello stated, accusing her of staging the videos herself. 

Both Maduro’s government and the opposition claim victory in last year’s presidential election. However, the electoral council and Venezuela’s high court, both dominated by Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner without releasing detailed vote tallies. 

The opposition, led by González, published their own tallies, claiming he won by a significant margin. International observers, including the U.S.-based Carter Center, supported the opposition’s figures. 

The disputed results have fueled nationwide unrest, with thousands taking to the streets to protest. Security forces have responded with heavy crackdowns, detaining over 2,000 protesters since the election, according to local advocacy groups. 

Opposition Defiance and Government Crackdowns

Machado, 57, has been a vocal critic of Maduro and a prominent advocate for peaceful protests. Before her detention, she urged military and police personnel to acknowledge González’s victory. 

“Let no one be in doubt, what they do tomorrow marks the end of the regime,” Machado declared at the rally. 

Protests on Thursday were met with a swift and forceful response from security forces in various cities, including Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia. Tear gas and motorcycle-mounted security personnel dispersed demonstrators in several locations. 

Despite the crackdown, opposition supporters vowed to continue their fight. “I’m not afraid, I lost my fear a long time ago,” said Neglis Payares, a 70-year-old retired central bank worker who joined protests in western Caracas. 

The international community has largely condemned the Maduro administration for suppressing dissent. A White House spokesperson reaffirmed the U.S.’s support for González, calling him the “true winner” of the election. 

Meanwhile, Maduro prepares to be sworn in for a third term on Friday, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses. His administration, which enjoys strong backing from the armed forces and intelligence services, has accused the opposition of plotting fascist conspiracies and seeking foreign intervention. 

González, currently in exile in Spain, has pledged to return to Venezuela despite threats of arrest. Machado also faces legal scrutiny, with ongoing investigations by the attorney general, though no public arrest warrant has been issued against her. 

The government’s crackdown on opposition leaders and activists continues, with 16 people detained during Thursday’s protests, according to Foro Penal. 

Venezuelans abroad have also rallied in solidarity, including a protest in Madrid where González’s daughter, Carolina González, addressed demonstrators. “My dad sends a hug to all of you, glory to the brave people of Venezuela,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. 

Venezuelan Dictator, Nicolás Maduro, to Extend Presidency Until 2031 Amid Election Disputes and Protests

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Nicolás Maduro is set to extend his presidency until 2031 after being sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, despite widespread protests and credible allegations that opposition candidate Edmundo González won the disputed election. 

Anti-Maduro demonstrations erupted Thursday in Caracas, with hundreds demanding that González, the opposition candidate, be declared president. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been barred from running for office, briefly appeared at the rally before her convoy was intercepted by security forces. 

Machado’s aides reported she was detained and coerced into recording videos before being released. The government denied her arrest, dismissing the reports as opposition-led misinformation aimed at inciting international condemnation. 

Venezuela’s electoral council, aligned with Maduro’s United Socialist Party, declared him the winner hours after polls closed on July 28 but provided no detailed vote counts. The opposition published tally sheets from over 80% of voting machines, showing González had secured twice as many votes as Maduro. 

The lack of transparency led to international outcry. The U.S.-based Carter Center, invited by the government to observe the election, deemed the opposition’s tallies legitimate. Other election experts also confirmed the integrity of the opposition’s data, but Venezuela’s high court, dominated by Maduro allies, reaffirmed his victory without substantial evidence. 

Neither the electoral council nor Maduro’s ruling party has produced verifiable proof of his victory, intensifying claims of electoral fraud. 

The disputed election has drawn condemnation from leaders worldwide. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for González and Machado, urging their safety. 

“These freedom fighters should not be harmed, and MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a Maduro ally, announced he would not attend Friday’s inauguration, citing the detention of opposition figures earlier this week. 

Protests against Maduro’s presidency have led to a brutal crackdown. Over 2,000 demonstrators have been arrested, and more than 20 have been killed. Reports of torture and coercion have further tarnished the government’s image. 

González, who fled to Spain in September, has vowed to return to Venezuela despite threats of arrest. On Tuesday, González accused the government of orchestrating the kidnapping of his son-in-law, Rafael Tudares, in Caracas. 

“At what point did being related to Edmundo González Urrutia become a crime?” González’s daughter, Mariana González de Tudares, asked in a statement. 

It remains unclear if any foreign leaders will attend Friday’s inauguration. Maduro’s 2019 swearing-in was attended by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and then-Bolivian President Evo Morales. This time, however, the event has drawn global criticism amid allegations of electoral fraud and repression. 

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Supermarket Strike in Donetsk, Two Dead

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Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of launching a missile strike on a supermarket in Donetsk, a Russian-controlled city in eastern Ukraine, claiming the attack killed two civilians and injured two others. 

Russian investigators told state news agency RIA that a U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile was likely used in the strike. Ukraine has not commented on the allegation, and Reuters could not independently verify the claims. 

Unverified photos shared on social media showed a charred car outside a heavily damaged, circular two-story building surrounded by debris. Dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle appeared to capture the moment of the strike, showing a massive explosion and flames engulfing the supermarket, identified as Moloko (Milk). 

Reuters confirmed the location based on identifiable nearby landmarks matching satellite and street-view imagery. The footage’s time stamp verified the date of the incident. 

Officials Blame Ukrainian Forces

Denis Pushilin, a senior Russian-backed official in the region, accused Ukrainian forces of targeting the supermarket during the morning rush hour. Russia’s TASS news agency reported that nearby buildings and approximately 15 vehicles were also damaged in the attack. 

Pushilin added on his Telegram channel that another strike allegedly carried out by Ukrainian forces hit an apartment building in Svitlodarsk, also in the Donetsk region. The attack reportedly killed one woman and wounded four others. 

The incident adds to the ongoing tension in eastern Ukraine, where clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces have intensified. Russia has consistently accused Ukraine of targeting civilian areas, while Ukraine denies such claims, accusing Russia of using civilian locations for military purposes. 

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Trump To Be Sentenced in Hush Money Case Before White House Return, Loses Supreme Court Intervention

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In a historic moment, President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced Friday for his conviction in a New York hush money case, marking the first time a president-elect faces sentencing for a felony. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the Manhattan proceeding to move forward.

Judge Juan M. Merchan is expected to impose an unconditional discharge — a no-penalty sentence involving no jail time, probation, or fines. Prosecutors have not opposed the decision. This unique legal outcome reflects efforts to avoid constitutional complications during Trump’s presidency, which begins in 10 days.

Despite the expected leniency, Trump, 77, will become the first individual convicted of a felony to assume the presidency. He is anticipated to appear via video from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he may address the court. Trump has consistently labeled the case a politically motivated “fake prosecution.”

The case stems from allegations that Trump falsified business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Prosecutors argued the payment was intended to silence Daniels about an alleged affair, which Trump denies. 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office asserted that Trump’s actions undermined the electoral process and New York’s financial integrity. Trump, however, maintains the payment was a personal matter to protect his family, not a campaign tactic. 

“This is a fake, made-up charge,” Trump wrote last week on Truth Social. 

Prosecutors allege that Daniels was paid through Trump’s then-attorney Michael Cohen, with reimbursements falsely recorded as legal expenses. Trump’s defense contends the records accurately reflected the transactions, dismissing allegations of misconduct. 

Trump’s legal team has fought to overturn the May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, filing appeals and motions to delay sentencing. Their arguments have focused on presidential immunity and constitutional concerns, including a July Supreme Court decision granting former presidents significant immunity. 

The Supreme Court rejected Trump’s final bid to delay sentencing in a narrow 5-4 ruling late Thursday. 

Judge Merchan, a Democrat, emphasized the need for “finality,” balancing respect for the jury’s verdict and public expectations that no one is above the law. 

While the hush money case is the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to reach trial, others have stalled or been dismissed. Federal cases involving classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election have been closed, while a Georgia election interference case remains unresolved after the removal of prosecutor Fani Willis.

Trump’s conviction underscores the intersection of legal accountability and political leadership as he prepares to return to the White House. 

Los Angeles Wildfires Claim 10 Lives, Destroy Thousands of Homes

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Wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures, officials said Thursday, as five separate blazes continued to burn through a third night, fueled by strong desert winds.

The Palisades Fire, situated between Santa Monica and Malibu, and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena are among the most destructive in the city’s history. Together, the fires have scorched over 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares), turning entire neighborhoods into ash.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed late Thursday that the death toll had risen to 10, while Sheriff Robert Luna said he expected the numbers to climb. 

“It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas. I don’t expect good news,” Luna told reporters.

AccuWeather has estimated the damage and economic losses at $135 billion to $150 billion, signaling a lengthy recovery period and potentially soaring homeowners’ insurance rates. Southern California Edison reported receiving notices from insurers to preserve evidence related to the Eaton Fire, though fire agencies have not linked the utility to the blaze.

Mayor Karen Bass pledged to “aggressively rebuild” Los Angeles amid criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and other Republicans about her handling of the disaster.

President Joe Biden declared a major disaster on Tuesday and vowed Thursday that the federal government would cover 100% of recovery costs for the next 180 days. This includes funding for debris removal, temporary shelters, and first responder salaries.

“Spare no expense to do what’s necessary to contain these fires,” Biden said.

In total, five fires are burning across Los Angeles County. The Palisades Fire is only 6% contained, while the Eaton Fire remains completely uncontained. Firefighting aircraft, including a Super Scooper on loan from Canada, have been deployed, although one aircraft was grounded after a collision with an unauthorized drone near the Palisades blaze. No injuries were reported.

A new fire erupted Thursday near Calabasas, home to many celebrities and gated communities. The so-called Kenneth Fire rapidly expanded to 960 acres (388 hectares) within hours.

Authorities accidentally issued a countywide evacuation alert intended only for those near the Kenneth Fire. A corrected notification was promptly sent to Los Angeles County’s 9.6 million residents.

The Eaton Fire has damaged or destroyed up to 5,000 structures, while the Palisades Fire has affected an additional 5,300. Pacific Palisades residents returning to the burned areas found little left standing. 

“We are alive. That’s all that matters,” said private security guard Bilal Tukhi, standing near his employer’s charred home. 

Schools remained closed Friday due to hazardous air conditions, officials said, while intensified winds overnight extended red-flag warnings into Friday afternoon.

Some residents expressed concerns that government aid might prioritize high-profile areas like Pacific Palisades over less affluent communities.

“They’re not going to give you the value of your house … you have to fight for it,” said Kay Young, 63, standing before the rubble of a home passed down through her family for generations.

The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills was fully contained after threatening the iconic Walk of Fame on Wednesday night. However, Pacific Palisades remains littered with downed power lines and destroyed vehicles.

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis announced her family would donate $1 million to wildfire relief efforts. Chef Jose Andres also set up food trucks near Pacific Coast Highway to provide meals for residents and first responders.

Canada has sent additional firefighting personnel and equipment to aid California. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “To our American neighbors: Canada is here to help.”

REUTERS

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