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Police and Prosecutors in Mexico’s Sinaloa State Implicated in Cover-Up of Political Opponent’s Murder

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Federal prosecutors in Mexico have unveiled a bombshell revelation implicating police, prosecutors, and forensic examiners in Sinaloa state in a conspiracy to cover up the killing of Héctor Cuén, a political opponent of ruling-party Governor Ruben Rocha. The announcement, made on Sunday, corroborates claims made by imprisoned drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and deepens the political crisis in the violence-plagued northern Mexican state.

The federal Attorney General’s Office stated that their investigation has “confirmed the presumed administrative and criminal responsibilities of Sinaloa police, detectives, forensic examiners and state prosecutors” in relation to Cuén’s death. This statement supports Zambada’s account of events from July 25, when he claims he was kidnapped at the same time and location where Cuén was murdered.

Key elements of the federal prosecutors’ findings include blood evidence from the crime scene: Cuén’s blood was found at the ranch where Zambada claims the kidnapping and murder took place, contradicting the state’s official narrative and falsified video evidence: Security camera footage of an alleged robbery at a gas station, presented by state prosecutors as the scene of Cuén’s murder, was proven to be falsified.

Other hidden facts are discrepancies in forensic evidence: Post-mortem records showed Cuén’s body had four gunshot wounds, while only one shot was audible in the faked security footage, improper handling of evidence: Sinaloa officials violated murder investigation protocols by allowing Cuén’s body to be cremated almost immediately, and blood-stained vehicle: A white pickup truck seen in the falsified footage contained blood from one of Zambada’s bodyguards, suggesting state police either disposed of a body or misused evidence to stage the fake robbery scene.

The case has further complicated the position of Governor Rocha, a member of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ruling Morena Party. Rocha has faced criticism for his handling of the escalating violence between rival factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel following the events of July 25. Despite ongoing gunbattles, killings, kidnappings, and cartel roadblocks in the state capital Culiacan, Rocha has attempted to downplay the situation, stating on Thursday that “there is nothing to worry about” and “everything is under control.”

Zambada’s account of the July 25 events suggests a complex interplay between politics and organized crime in Sinaloa. He claims he was invited to a meeting to mediate the political rivalry between Governor Rocha and Cuén, indicating the drug lord’s perceived role as an arbiter in state political disputes.

The revelation has reignited questions about Governor Rocha’s potential involvement in the events of July 25. While Rocha denies knowledge of or attendance at the meeting where Zambada was allegedly abducted, doubts persist about his whereabouts that day, as he has not provided conclusive evidence of his claimed trip to California.

This case has exposed the deep-rooted corruption and entanglement of politics with organized crime in Sinaloa, a state long plagued by drug-related violence. As federal authorities continue their investigation, the implications for local and national politics, as well as the ongoing struggle against drug cartels, remain significant and far-reaching.

AP

Moldova Narrowly Votes in Favor of EU Path Amid Claims of Russian Interference

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Moldova has narrowly voted in favor of securing its path toward European Union membership, with final electoral data showing a razor-thin majority of 50.39% voting “Yes” against 49.61% voting “No.” The referendum, held on Sunday, saw a turnout of approximately 1.4 million voters, representing about 51% of eligible voters.

President Maia Sandu, a staunch pro-EU advocate, accused “criminal groups” of working with foreign forces to undermine the vote. She claimed these groups attempted to buy 300,000 votes, describing it as “a fraud of unprecedented scale.” Sandu asserted that these efforts were aimed at keeping Moldova “trapped in uncertainty and instability.”

The European Commission in Brussels echoed concerns about Russian interference, with spokesperson Peter Stano stating that the vote took place under “unprecedented interference and intimidation by Russia and its proxies.” The Commission underlined its continued support for Moldova’s EU accession path.

Concurrent with the referendum, a presidential election was held, with Sandu winning the first round at 42% but failing to secure an outright majority. She will face Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Russia-friendly former prosecutor general who garnered around 26% of the vote, in a runoff on November 3.

The close result of the referendum has raised questions about the strength of pro-EU sentiment within Moldova. Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor at Oakland University, suggested that polls may have overestimated pro-EU feelings inside the country, noting that the referendum might have failed without votes from the diaspora.

Moldovan authorities have reported uncovering a massive vote-buying scheme allegedly orchestrated by Ilan Shor, an exiled pro-Russia oligarch. The scheme reportedly involved paying 15 million euros to 130,000 individuals to undermine both the referendum and presidential election. Shor, who was convicted in absentia last year for fraud and money laundering, has denied these allegations.

Further complicating the political landscape, Moldovan authorities claimed to have foiled a plot involving over 100 young Moldovans who received training in Moscow on how to create civil unrest around the votes. Some reportedly attended “more advanced training in guerrilla camps” in Serbia and Bosnia.

The referendum and election results underscore Moldova’s complex geopolitical position, caught between pro-EU aspirations and Russian influence. As a former Soviet republic with a population of about 2.5 million, Moldova applied to join the EU following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and was granted candidate status that summer.

With parliamentary elections scheduled for next year, the narrow victory in the EU referendum and the upcoming presidential runoff highlight the ongoing challenges Moldova faces in balancing its Western aspirations with its historical ties to Russia. The international community continues to watch closely as Moldova navigates these complex political waters.

apnews

Turkish Cleric Fethullah Gülen Dies in U.S. Exile, Leaving Complex Legacy

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Fethullah Gülen, the influential Turkish Islamic cleric who inspired a global social movement and was accused by Turkey of masterminding a failed 2016 coup, has died in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, USA. The death of the octogenarian spiritual leader was confirmed by his nephew, Kemal Gülen, and acknowledged by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Gülen, who had been living on a secluded compound in the Pocono Mountains, was a controversial figure who blended Sufi Islamic teachings with advocacy for democracy, education, and interfaith dialogue. His Hizmet movement, also known as the Gülen movement, established a vast network of schools, businesses, and media outlets across more than 100 countries.

Once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gülen became a fierce opponent, accusing Erdogan of authoritarianism. The Turkish government, in turn, labeled Gülen a terrorist and accused him of orchestrating the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, which resulted in 251 deaths and over 2,200 injuries. Gülen consistently denied these allegations.

Following the failed coup, Turkey launched a extensive crackdown on Gülen’s followers, arresting tens of thousands and dismissing over 130,000 civil servants suspected of links to his movement. The U.S. refused to extradite Gülen, citing insufficient evidence.

Born in Erzurum, eastern Turkey, in the late 1930s, Gülen trained as an imam and gained prominence in Turkey for his teachings that merged Islam with Western values and Turkish nationalism. His movement operated universities, hospitals, charities, and media outlets in Turkey before the crackdown.

Gülen had been living in the United States since 1999, initially for medical treatment. He won a legal battle for permanent U.S. residency despite accusations in Turkey of plotting to overthrow the secular government.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan stated that Gülen’s death would not end the government’s efforts against his organization, calling it a “threat rarely seen in the history of our nation.” He urged Gülen’s followers to abandon what he termed a “treasonous wrong path.”

As news of Gülen’s death spreads, it marks the end of an era in Turkish politics and global Islamic movements. The impact of his life and the future of his movement remain subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.

AP

Togo Suspends Russian-Owned Ride-Hailing App Yango Over Security Concerns

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Togo’s transport ministry has suspended the operations of Yango, a ride-hailing app owned by Russian tech giant Yandex, just months after it began operating in the West African country. The decision, announced on Thursday, cites security concerns and violations of the country’s procedures.

According to the ministry’s statement, Yango commenced operations in June without proper authorization, contravening Togo’s established protocols. The suspension was implemented due to concerns over passenger safety, public order, and adherence to legal procedures.

“The activities of the operator YANGO are therefore suspended across the entire national territory,” the ministry declared in its official statement.

In response to the suspension, Yango claimed that it operates independently from Yandex and is headquartered in Dubai. The company stated that discussions are currently underway with the Togolese government, expressing confidence that a solution will be reached to allow the continuation of its services in the country.

The case of Yango in Togo raises questions about the regulation of digital platforms in emerging markets and the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring public safety. As negotiations continue between Yango and Togolese authorities, the outcome may set a precedent for how similar services are regulated in the region. This development comes at a time when many African countries are grappling with how to integrate new technologies and services into their existing transportation ecosystems while maintaining control over security and regulatory compliance

Seven-Story Building Collapses in Northern Nairobi, Prompting Evacuation and Rescue Efforts

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A seven-story residential building in Nairobi’s Kahawa West neighborhood in Kenya collapsed on Sunday, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. The incident, captured on video, shows the structure crumbling as onlookers flee in panic.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja reported one confirmed casualty, a middle-aged woman who was injured outside the building during the collapse. She is currently receiving treatment and is in stable condition. However, the Kenya Red Cross has stated that several families may still be trapped inside the rubble.

Eyewitness Dicken Muchena, 31, reported that the building had been identified as a potential hazard earlier in the day, leading some residents to evacuate. “There were signs of collapse so people started vacating,” Muchena said, describing the scene as one of “horror” and “confusion.”

Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei confirmed that an evacuation had taken place prior to the collapse due to concerns about the building’s structural integrity. “We are not sure if there were people still therein, but I know there was an evacuation that happened. They knew it was weak,” Bungei stated.

The Kenya Red Cross has reported that two people have been rescued and transported to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital. Governor Sakaja assured that all necessary equipment has been mobilized for the rescue operation, with Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri overseeing efforts at the site.

This incident raises concerns about building safety and construction standards in Nairobi, a rapidly growing urban center. As rescue efforts continue, authorities are likely to face questions about the enforcement of building codes and the prevention of similar incidents in the future.

The collapse has prompted the evacuation of adjacent buildings as a precautionary measure. Officials are urging residents to cooperate with emergency services and to report any signs of structural instability in their neighborhoods. As the search and rescue operation continues, local authorities are working to account for all residents and provide support to those affected by the collapse

Nigeria Police Release 22 Protesters Detained at #EndSARS Memorial March

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The Lagos State police command in Nigeria has released at least 22 individuals who were detained during the #EndSARS memorial protest on Sunday. The arrests occurred in the Lekki tollgate area of Lagos, where protesters had gathered to commemorate victims of police brutality and demand the implementation of judicial panel recommendations.

Demonstrators assembled around 8:30 am to honor those who lost their lives during the 2020 police brutality protests. The crowd called for the full implementation of findings from judicial panels established in the wake of the #EndSARS movement. However, police officers intervened to disperse the gathering, leading to multiple arrests, including the organizer of the memorial event.

The #EndSARS protests, which began four years ago, saw thousands of Nigerians rally against the actions of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit accused of widespread police brutality. An Amnesty International report states that at least 12 protesters were killed at the Lekki tollgate in 2020 when Nigerian security forces opened fire on demonstrators.

Sunday’s protest was met with a significant police presence, preventing marchers from proceeding through the tollgate. The police action reflects ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists seeking accountability for past incidents of police violence.

The release of the detained protesters comes amid continued calls for police reform and justice for victims of brutality. As Nigeria grapples with these issues, the #EndSARS movement remains a potent symbol of the struggle for human rights and accountability in the country’s law enforcement system.

Lagos authorities have not provided further comments on the arrests or the decision to release the protesters.

 Fatal Plane Crash at Las Cruces Air and Space Expo Claims Pilot’s Life

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A devastating incident occurred at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo in New Mexico on Sunday, October 20, when a plane performing in the air show crashed, resulting in one fatality. The accident, which took place around 2:30 p.m., led to the immediate cancellation of the remainder of the event.

New Mexico State Police, who are investigating the crash, confirmed that one person lost their life in the incident. Local newspapers reported that it was the plane’s pilot who perished in the accident.

Andy Hume, director of the Las Cruces International Airport, issued a brief statement on the City of Las Cruces Facebook page, referring to the incident as a “single aircraft incident.” He mentioned that the family of the air show performer involved had been contacted but did not confirm any injuries or fatalities at that time.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash. According to their preliminary information, the aircraft involved was an Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH EA 300/L, a two-seater plane. The crash occurred approximately half a mile west of the Las Cruces airport while the plane was performing at the air show.

An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive in Las Cruces on Monday to begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The plane will be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further investigation. The NTSB has requested that witnesses to the crash or those with relevant surveillance footage contact them at witness@ntsb.gov.

The agency emphasized that it does not have a role in releasing the identities of crash victims or the extent of injuries, stating that such information is handled by local authorities. A preliminary report on the accident is expected to be available within 30 days.

This tragic event highlights the inherent risks associated with air shows and the importance of thorough safety measures and investigations following such incidents. As the community of Las Cruces and the aviation world mourn the loss of a skilled pilot, the focus now turns to understanding the cause of the crash to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by air show performers and the need for continued vigilance in aviation safety practices at public events.

Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Strike on Russian Explosives Plant and Military-Industrial Targets

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Ukraine has launched a significant overnight drone offensive against key Russian military-industrial targets, with the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region, being a primary focus. The attack, involving hundreds of kamikaze drones, represents a bold move by Ukraine to disrupt Russia’s war-supporting infrastructure.

The Sverdlov Plant, one of Russia’s largest producers of industrial explosives and a manufacturer of various military components, including aviation and artillery shells, aerial bombs, and missile parts, was hit in the strike. Footage and eyewitness accounts reported a succession of loud explosions and clouds of white smoke rising from the facility. The plant has been sanctioned by major Western countries and Ukraine for its role in supplying Vladimir Putin’s war efforts.

Russian air defenses were active around the plant, with locals reporting ten or more explosions. The attack resulted in four firefighters being wounded, highlighting the intensity and effectiveness of the strike.

Beyond the Sverdlov Plant, the Ukrainian drones also targeted other key locations within Russia’s military-industrial complex. Significant explosions were recorded in both Oryol and Lipetsk cities, though specific targets in these regions were not immediately identified.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 110 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 18 in the Oryol region and 27 in the Lipetsk region. Additionally, at least one drone targeting the Moscow region was reportedly downed. The scale of the defensive response indicates the unprecedented nature of this Ukrainian drone offensive.

This large-scale attack follows a recent strike on the Kremniy El microelectronics plant in the Bryansk region, which reportedly manufactures microchips for Russia’s Iskander ballistic missiles. The damage to these facilities could potentially impact Russia’s ability to produce and maintain its military hardware.

The drone strikes demonstrate Ukraine’s growing capabilities in long-range attacks and its strategy to target Russia’s military-industrial infrastructure. This approach aims to disrupt the supply chain supporting Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.

As the conflict escalates, with both sides intensifying their efforts, the international community watches closely. The effectiveness of these Ukrainian strikes and Russia’s ability to defend against and recover from them will likely influence the future trajectory of the war.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to affect civilians, with reports of 17 people injured in a Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih, underscoring the ongoing human cost of the war.

Source: the-sun.com

Yulia Navalnaya Declares Intent to Run for Russian Presidency, Continuing Her Husband’s Legacy

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Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of prominent Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has unequivocally stated her intention to run for the Russian presidency once Vladimir Putin’s era comes to an end. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Navalnaya expressed her determination to continue her husband’s fight for democracy and reform in Russia, despite the significant personal risks involved.

Navalnaya, who cannot currently return to Russia due to threats of arrest on extremism charges, looks forward to a future where free and fair elections can be held in her homeland. She emphasized her commitment to participating in such elections as a candidate, declaring, “My political opponent is Vladimir Putin. And I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible.”

The interview, conducted in a London legal library, coincides with the launch of “Patriot,” a memoir Alexei Navalny was writing before his death in a penal colony in February 2024. The book provides a harrowing account of Navalny’s experiences in the Russian prison system, including 295 days in solitary confinement and severe deprivations.

Navalnaya shared insights into her family’s struggle against the Putin regime, reflecting on the impact their political activism has had on their children, Dasha (23) and Zakhar (16). Despite the hardships, she expressed no regrets about supporting her husband’s unwavering commitment to political change in Russia.

The memoir “Patriot” serves not only as a personal account but also as a political manifesto, calling for a free Russia. Navalnaya revealed that the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which she now leads, has evidence regarding her husband’s death, which she believes was ordered by Putin. She plans to disclose this information when they have “the whole picture.”

Navalnaya criticized the international community’s response to Navalny’s death as insufficient, urging stronger action against the Putin regime. She expressed a desire to see Putin face justice in Russia under the same harsh conditions her husband endured.

As she steps into the role of figurehead for the Russian opposition movement, Navalnaya embodies the continuation of Navalny’s legacy. Her resolve to pursue the presidency and challenge Putin’s regime represents a new chapter in Russia’s political opposition, one fraught with danger but driven by an unyielding commitment to democratic change.

The publication of “Patriot” and Navalnaya’s political aspirations come at a critical juncture for Russia’s future, as questions about Putin’s longevity in power and the potential for democratic reform loom large on the horizon.

Senior Tanzanian Opposition Official Abducted and Seriously Injured, Raising Concerns Over Political Repression

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A senior official from Tanzania’s leading opposition party, CHADEMA, has been abducted, beaten, and seriously injured before being dumped in a forest, according to party statements released on Sunday. This incident, involving Aisha Machano, the women’s wing publicity secretary, occurs just a month after the similar abduction and murder of another party leader, raising alarm over potential political repression in the country.

CHADEMA reported that Machano was kidnapped in Kibiti town in eastern Tanzania while on official duties. She was later discovered by motorcycle riders in a severely injured state and rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment. The party stated that Machano’s abductors demanded information about who had instructed the burning of clothes provided by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during 2023 World Women’s Day commemorations in the Kilimanjaro region.

This incident casts a shadow over the reformist image of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been credited with easing political repression since succeeding John Magufuli in 2021. Rights campaigners allege that Hassan’s government is targeting opponents in the run-up to local elections in December and the national vote in 2025, accusations the government denies.

Police spokesperson David Misime confirmed that investigations have been launched following Machano’s discovery in a forest in Kibiti. He urged the public to remain calm as the investigation proceeds, promising legal action based on the evidence gathered.

This abduction follows the recent case of Ali Kibao, another senior CHADEMA official, who was kidnapped and later found dead on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam last month, showing signs of severe beating and acid burns. In response to Kibao’s death and other reported abductions, CHADEMA organized demonstrations in September, which were thwarted by police.

President Hassan ordered an investigation into Kibao’s death and related cases last month, but the recent attack on Machano raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures and the overall state of political freedom in Tanzania.

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