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Tunisian Court Sentences Presidential Candidate to Prison Term

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Tunisian Court Sentences Presidential Candidate to Prison Term

A Tunisian court on Wednesday sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to 20 months in prison, according to his lawyer, in a move that has intensified opposition concerns about the integrity of the upcoming election.

Zammel, who leads the opposition Azimoun party, was arrested two weeks ago on charges of falsifying voter signatures on his candidacy paperwork. He has denounced the charges as fabricated by incumbent President Kais Saied.

The court’s decision comes amid rising political tensions in Tunisia ahead of the October 6 presidential election. Earlier this month, an electoral commission appointed by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates, sparking protests from opposition and civil society groups.

The commission approved only three candidacies: the incumbent president, Zammel, and Zouhair Magzhaoui, who is perceived as close to Saied. This decision defied Tunisia’s administrative court, the highest judicial authority in election-related disputes.

Abdessattar Massoudi, Zammel’s lawyer, told Reuters, “Today’s verdict is politically motivated, unfair and aims to undermine his chances in the presidential race.”

The commission’s actions have drawn criticism from rights groups, political parties, and constitutional law experts, who argue that defying the court raises doubts about the election’s legitimacy and legality.

Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019, has tightened his grip on power since 2021, ruling by decree in what the opposition has described as a coup. Critics accuse Saied of using the electoral commission to secure victory by limiting competition and intimidating other candidates. Saied has denied these accusations, stating he is fighting against corruption and will not become a dictator.

Several other potential presidential candidates have faced legal challenges. Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party, has been imprisoned since last year on charges of harming public security. Lotfi Mraihi, another prominent politician, was jailed this year on charges of vote-buying in the 2019 election. Both had expressed intentions to run in the October election but were unable to submit their candidacy paperwork due to their imprisonment.

Last month, a court sentenced four other potential presidential candidates to prison terms and lifetime bans from running for office.

These developments have raised international concerns about the state of democracy in Tunisia, once considered a model of democratic transition in the Arab world following the 2011 revolution.

Workers at Musk’s Companies Donate More to Harris Despite His Trump Support

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Workers at Musk’s Companies Donate More to Harris Despite His Trump Support

Despite Elon Musk’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential race, employees at his companies are largely contributing to the campaign of Democratic rival Kamala Harris, according to campaign finance data.

OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan nonprofit tracking U.S. campaign contributions, reports that workers at Tesla have donated $42,824 to Harris’ campaign compared to $24,840 for Trump. At SpaceX, Musk’s rocket company, employees have contributed $34,526 to Harris versus $7,652 to Trump. Workers at X, formerly Twitter, have given $13,213 to Harris and less than $500 to Trump.

While these amounts are relatively small in terms of overall campaign fundraising, they suggest a political leaning among Musk’s employees that contrasts with the billionaire’s own stated preferences. Musk, currently the world’s richest person, has been vocal in his support for Trump on the X platform and has criticized left-leaning ideologies.

Musk, who supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, has since shifted towards more conservative positions. Trump has indicated that if he wins the November 5 election, he would appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission.

Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management and a Tesla shareholder, attributes the donation patterns partly to the fact that many of Musk’s employees are based in California, traditionally a Democratic stronghold.

In July, Musk announced plans to move X and SpaceX headquarters from California to Texas, citing disagreement with California’s gender-identity laws. Gerber suggests this move could result in “losing out on a lot of potential talent” in California.

The OpenSecrets data includes donations from company employees, owners, and their immediate family members. Federal law prohibits companies themselves from donating directly to federal campaigns.

Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the donation patterns among his companies’ employees.

Manchester City Held to Goalless Draw by Inter Milan in Champions League Opener

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Manchester City Held to Goalless Draw by Inter Milan in Champions League Opener

In a rematch of last season’s UEFA Champions League final, Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, extending their unbeaten run in the competition to 24 matches over 90 minutes.

The highly anticipated clash failed to produce the expected fireworks, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances throughout the match. Inter’s Marcus Thuram, starting in place of the benched Lautaro Martinez, had the first notable attempt, forcing a routine save from City goalkeeper Ederson.

City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland was largely kept in check by Inter’s defense, managing only a tame header that posed no threat to Inter keeper Yann Sommer.

The hosts suffered a significant setback when midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne was forced off at halftime with an apparent muscle injury. Phil Foden replaced the Belgian but struggled to make an immediate impact.

As the second half progressed, both managers made tactical changes in search of a breakthrough. Inter’s Simone Inzaghi introduced Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while City’s Pep Guardiola reshuffled his attack.

The substitutions injected some life into the contest, with chances falling to both sides. Foden and Josko Gvardiol saw efforts saved by Sommer, while Mkhitaryan squandered Inter’s best opportunity, firing over from close range after being set up by Denzel Dumfries.

In the closing stages, Martinez and City’s Rodri both had attempts, but neither could find the quality needed to break the deadlock. City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan had a golden chance to win it late on but headed straight at Sommer from close range.

The result continues City’s recent struggles against Italian opposition, with the English champions having won just five of their last 14 such matches. For Inter, the draw represents a solid start to their Champions League campaign as they remain unbeaten this season.

Francesco Acerbi was named Man of the Match for his commanding performance in Inter’s defense, frustrating City’s potent attack throughout the evening.

Thailand to Indict Ex-Security Personnel for 2004 78 Muslim Protesters Deaths

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Thailand to Indict Ex-Security Personnel for 2004 78 Muslim Protesters Deaths

Thai prosecutors announced Wednesday that eight former state security personnel will be indicted on murder charges for their alleged roles in the deaths of 78 Muslim protesters in southern Thailand in 2004.

The case, known as the Tak Bai massacre, gained notoriety due to the manner of the victims’ deaths. The protesters were arrested, their hands tied, and loaded onto trucks stacked like firewood. By the time the vehicles reached an army base, 78 had died from crushing or suffocation.

This legal action comes just weeks before the statute of limitations expires on October 25. The charges can still expire if none of the accused appear in court before the deadline.

The incident occurred during the early stages of a Muslim separatist insurgency in Thailand’s southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. On October 25, 2004, thousands protested at a police station in Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district, demanding the release of six detained Muslim men.

After the protest turned violent, about 1,300 protesters were rounded up and transported to a military camp. Seven were shot dead during the protest, while 78 others died during transport.

Prayuth Bejraguna, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, said those facing charges are mostly truck drivers, but also include Chalermchai Wirunphet, commander of the 5th Infantry Division at the time.

“The defendants’ action could be expected to result in the victims being suffocated to death,” Prayuth stated at a news conference.

In a related case, victims’ families filed a lawsuit in April against seven soldiers and officials, including Pisal Wattanawongkiri, former commander of the 4th Army Region and now a lawmaker with parliamentary immunity.

The long delay in bringing charges has raised questions, with prosecutors receiving the case from police only in April this year.

Shooting at Wildberries Office in Moscow Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

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Shooting at Wildberries Office in Moscow Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

A shooting incident at the headquarters of Russian online retailer Wildberries in Moscow on Wednesday left at least two people dead and several others injured, according to company and law enforcement sources.

Wildberries reported that an armed group of men, led by Vladislav Bakalchuk, the ex-husband of company founder Tatiana Bakalchuk, attempted to forcibly enter the building. The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in gunfire.

Law enforcement authorities are investigating the incident. According to the Interfax news agency, two police officers were injured and nearly 30 individuals were arrested. The state-run TASS news agency, citing an unnamed Wildberries source, reported that two security guards were killed.

Video footage published by the pro-Kremlin Telegram news channel Mash showed a scuffle outside the office, followed by gunshots and shouting.

Vladislav Bakalchuk claimed on Telegram that he and his team were attacked when they arrived at the Wildberries headquarters “for negotiations to stop the construction of a warehouse.” However, Tatiana Bakalchuk, Russia’s wealthiest woman, disputed this claim, stating that no such talks were arranged and that her ex-husband had attempted to seize the company’s office.

The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding Wildberries. The company recently announced a merger with Russ Group to form a new digital trading platform named RWB, a move that has raised questions in business circles due to the significant size disparity between the two companies.

Independent business outlet The Bell suggested the RWB merger may be part of Russia’s wartime redistribution of assets favoring Kremlin-linked business figures.

The personal conflict between Tatiana and Vladislav Bakalchuk has intensified since their divorce in July. Vladislav had previously sought help from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, claiming he was facing a hostile takeover of the company.

According to the independent investigative news outlet Agentstvo, three MMA fighters connected to a fighting club founded by Kadyrov were among the group of men seen in videos of the shooting.

This violent incident has shocked Russia’s business community and raised concerns about corporate conflicts escalating into physical confrontations.

Shooting at Wildberries Office in Moscow Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

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A shooting incident at the headquarters of Russian online retailer Wildberries in Moscow on Wednesday left at least two people dead and several others injured, according to company and law enforcement sources.

Wildberries reported that an armed group of men, led by Vladislav Bakalchuk, the ex-husband of company founder Tatiana Bakalchuk, attempted to forcibly enter the building. The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in gunfire.

Law enforcement authorities are investigating the incident. According to the Interfax news agency, two police officers were injured and nearly 30 individuals were arrested. The state-run TASS news agency, citing an unnamed Wildberries source, reported that two security guards were killed.

Video footage published by the pro-Kremlin Telegram news channel Mash showed a scuffle outside the office, followed by gunshots and shouting.

Vladislav Bakalchuk claimed on Telegram that he and his team were attacked when they arrived at the Wildberries headquarters “for negotiations to stop the construction of a warehouse.” However, Tatiana Bakalchuk, Russia’s wealthiest woman, disputed this claim, stating that no such talks were arranged and that her ex-husband had attempted to seize the company’s office.

The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding Wildberries. The company recently announced a merger with Russ Group to form a new digital trading platform named RWB, a move that has raised questions in business circles due to the significant size disparity between the two companies.

Independent business outlet The Bell suggested the RWB merger may be part of Russia’s wartime redistribution of assets favoring Kremlin-linked business figures.

The personal conflict between Tatiana and Vladislav Bakalchuk has intensified since their divorce in July. Vladislav had previously sought help from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, claiming he was facing a hostile takeover of the company.

According to the independent investigative news outlet Agentstvo, three MMA fighters connected to a fighting club founded by Kadyrov were among the group of men seen in videos of the shooting.

This violent incident has shocked Russia’s business community and raised concerns about corporate conflicts escalating into physical confrontations.

Severe Flooding Forces Over 100 Evacuations in Slovakia

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Severe Flooding Forces Over 100 Evacuations in Slovakia

Over 100 residents were evacuated from their homes in Bratislava this week as Slovakia’s capital experienced its worst flooding in 30 years, with western regions of the country also severely affected.

The Danube River reached a 30-year high of 970 centimeters (382 inches) in Bratislava on Tuesday evening, causing widespread flooding in parts of the city. The Devin district, near the Austrian border, was completely cut off due to flooding and a landslide.

In the neighboring district of Devinska Nova Ves, authorities evacuated 100 people from their homes. The Environment Ministry estimates flood repairs could cost the country around €20 million ($21.3 million).

The flooding began after heavy rainfall last week, with some areas recording over 300 millimeters (11.8 inches) of rain, far exceeding initial forecasts. Environment Minister Tomas Taraba had previously stated the Danube “will not be an issue,” a prediction that proved inaccurate as events unfolded.

The Zahorie region in western Slovakia, bordering the Czech Republic, was particularly hard hit. Peter Novisedlak, mayor of Stupava, described the situation as “critical” with major flooding occurring on Sunday.

In Bratislava, the Slovak National Gallery was inundated, with staff working to protect valuable artworks. The Sports Ministry building also experienced flooding on its first floor.

Bratislava Mayor Matus Vallo announced on Tuesday evening that the situation was stabilizing, with anti-flood dikes along the Danube holding against the high water levels. However, he cautioned that cleanup efforts would take time.

The Urban Forests Authority reported significant damage in the Zelezna studnicka district, a popular recreation area, with hundreds of uprooted trees. Citizens have been advised to avoid nature walks in affected areas.

Bratislava Zoo has also been impacted and is calling for volunteers to assist with cleanup operations. City authorities hope to reopen some of the capital’s major tourist attractions by the weekend.

The floods have highlighted concerns about emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather events. As cleanup efforts continue, discussions are likely to focus on improving flood defenses and early warning systems to mitigate future risks.

UPDATED: Fresh Wave of Device Explosions Kills At Least 9 in Lebanon, 300 Injured

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UPDATED: Fresh Wave of Device Explosions Kills At Least 9 in Lebanon, 300 Injured

A new series of explosions involving electronic devices used by Hezbollah has killed at least nine people and wounded 300 across Lebanon, the country’s health ministry reported Wednesday. This incident follows Tuesday’s pager explosions that left 12 dead and approximately 2,800 injured in Lebanon and Syria.

The latest detonations occurred late Wednesday afternoon, primarily affecting southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, areas known for strong Hezbollah presence. These explosions mark a significant escalation in what appears to be a targeted campaign against the armed group’s communication infrastructure.

In response to the attacks, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared the start of a “new phase” in the ongoing conflict, signaling increased focus on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah has vowed retaliation against Israel following the widespread destruction of their communication devices.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Egypt for his tenth Middle East trip aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire, denied any U.S. involvement or prior knowledge of the attacks on Hezbollah’s devices.

This surge in violence comes amid the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports at least 41,252 Palestinians killed and 95,497 wounded since the war’s onset. The initial Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7 resulted in over 1,190 deaths, mostly civilians, with approximately 120 hostages still held in Gaza.

As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for wider regional conflict.

Arsenal Set for Champions League Return Against Atalanta

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Arsenal Set for Champions League Return Against Atalanta

Arsenal make their eagerly anticipated return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday as they face Atalanta BC at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy.

The English side, under manager Mikel Arteta, ended a six-year absence from Europe’s premier club competition last season, reaching the quarter-finals before falling to Bayern Munich. They enter this match on the back of a strong start to their Premier League campaign, most recently securing victory in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Atalanta, led by veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, come into the match as reigning UEFA Europa League champions. The Italian side defeated Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s final, securing their first European trophy. They return to the Champions League for the fourth time in five seasons, having twice reached the knockout stages in previous campaigns.

Both teams face significant injury concerns heading into the match. Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard due to an ankle injury, while winger Bukayo Saka is doubtful after being substituted during Sunday’s derby. Atalanta are missing key players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini due to long-term injuries.

Arsenal’s recent away form has been impressive, with six consecutive Premier League victories on the road. However, they face a stern test in Bergamo, where Atalanta have lost just one of their last seven Champions League home games.

The match marks a return to Italy for Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, who spent the majority of his career in Serie A before moving to England. For Atalanta, former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac could feature against his old club, having recently returned from injury.

This fixture represents the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides. Arsenal’s record against Italian teams in European competition is mixed, with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses from 24 previous encounters.

The game promises to be an intriguing tactical battle between Arteta’s possession-based style and Gasperini’s high-intensity, attacking approach. With both teams known for their offensive capabilities, an open and entertaining match is anticipated.

Monaco, Barcelona Set for Champions League Clash at Stade Louis II

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Monaco, Barcelona Set for Champions League Clash at Stade Louis II

Two unbeaten teams, AS Monaco and FC Barcelona, are set to face off in their UEFA Champions League opener at Stade Louis II on Thursday, with both clubs looking to build on strong starts to their domestic campaigns.

Monaco, under new manager Adi Hutter, enter the match following a 3-0 victory over Auxerre that extended their unbeaten run to four games in Ligue 1. The principality club finished as runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain last season and aim to challenge for the title again this year.

Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, come into the match with a perfect record in La Liga, having won all five of their opening fixtures. Their most recent outing saw them defeat Girona 4-1, with young star Lamine Yamal scoring twice.

Both teams face injury concerns heading into the match. Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara is expected to be available after clearing concussion protocols, while Barcelona will be without several key players including Dani Olmo, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen.

Monaco’s recent home form in the Champions League has been poor, with the club losing their last seven matches at Stade Louis II. Another defeat would set an unwanted record for consecutive home losses in the competition.

Barcelona, despite their domestic success, have struggled in recent Champions League campaigns. The Catalan giants have only progressed beyond the quarter-finals once since winning the tournament in 2015.

Historical head-to-head favors Barcelona, who won both previous meetings against Monaco without conceding in the 1993-94 season. However, Barcelona’s recent record in France is mixed, with only two wins in their last nine visits.

Robert Lewandowski will be a key player to watch for Barcelona. The Polish striker has scored 94 Champions League goals in his career and will be aiming to become just the third player to reach the century mark in the competition.

The match promises to be an intriguing encounter between two in-form sides looking to make a strong start to their Champions League campaigns.

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