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Man Jailed for 9 Years for Arson at Asylum Seekers’ Hotel During UK Riots

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A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in an arson attack on a hotel housing more than 200 asylum seekers during widespread riots across the United Kingdom last month. The sentence, handed down at Sheffield Crown Court, is the longest to date related to the August unrest.

Thomas Birley, from Swinton, pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder, and possession of an offensive weapon. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described the case as “one of the worst of many” he had dealt with.

The incident occurred on August 4 at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, South Yorkshire. CCTV footage showed Birley, wearing a black puffer jacket and red face covering, participating in the violence outside the hotel. Prosecutor Alisha Kaye told the court that Birley was part of a group that smashed ground floor windows and was seen adding chipboard to a fire started in an industrial-sized waste bin pushed against a fire door.

During the attack, 22 hotel staff members barricaded themselves in a panic room, while over 200 asylum seekers were trapped inside the building, despite automated fire alarms instructing them to evacuate. Judge Richardson noted that at least 50 people’s lives were endangered, with many fearing they would “burn to death.”

The judge emphasized that the incident was “nothing to do with legitimate public protest” but rather “mob rule” fueled by racism. He added that Birley was “encouraged by malicious and ignorant posts on social media.”

In addition to the prison term, Birley will serve five years on license following his release. The court heard that a pre-sentence report indicated Birley held views that “raised alarm” with the probation officer, hinting at a “white supremacist mindset.”

This case is part of a larger series of prosecutions stemming from the August riots. Approximately 250 people have been jailed to date in connection with the unrest that erupted in multiple towns and cities across the UK.

In related cases, at Liverpool Crown Court, Connah Ashley Piggott, 25, from Chester, received a two-year and four-month sentence for violent disorder after throwing bricks at police officers in Southport on July 30.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, suspended Labour councillor Ricky Jones denied charges of encouraging violent disorder during a counter-protest in Walthamstow, London.

In Bristol, Michael Tarling became the 33rd person charged by Avon and Somerset Police following clashes between protesters and police on August 3.

The widespread nature of these cases underscores the severity of the August unrest and the ongoing legal consequences for those involved in the violence.

Zelenskyy Urges U.S. Military Officials to Allow Deeper Strikes in Russia

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday pressed top U.S. and allied military leaders to grant Ukraine the ability to strike deeper within Russian territory, arguing it’s crucial for Kyiv’s defense against intensifying Russian attacks.

Speaking at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Germany, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for long-range strike capabilities and bolstered air defenses as Ukraine faces a potentially challenging winter. The meeting comes at a critical juncture in Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces.

“We need to have this long-range capability, not only on the divided territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace,” Zelenskyy told the group. “We need to make Russian cities and even Russian soldiers think about what they need: peace or Putin.”

The Ukrainian leader’s appeal follows recent deadly Russian airstrikes, including an attack on a military training center that killed over 50 and wounded hundreds. On Friday, Russia launched five ballistic missiles at Pavlohrad in eastern Ukraine, injuring at least 50 people, including three children, according to regional Governor Serhii Lysak.

To date, the United States has been hesitant to provide Ukraine with longer-range missiles, fearing potential escalation of the conflict. However, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair expressed support for Zelenskyy’s request, stating he hopes other Western allies will back the appeal.

“One of the things President Zelenskyy and his ministers have made very clear to us is that they are suffering significant attacks from air bases and military installations located within Russia,” Blair said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the ongoing threat, particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk. “We know Putin’s malice runs deep,” Austin said, highlighting Russia’s continued pressure in the region.

During the meeting, Austin announced an additional $250 million in U.S. weapons aid to Ukraine, including air defense munitions and artillery. The Pentagon is also considering providing air-to-ground missiles compatible with the newly delivered F-16 fighter jets, including the long-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

Bill LaPlante, the Pentagon’s top weapons buyer, noted that while no decisions have been made on the JASSM, “Anything that’s an air-to-ground weapon is always being looked at.”

Zelenskyy also stressed the slow arrival of promised defense systems, particularly highlighting the shortage of air defense systems crucial for protecting Ukraine’s electrical grid and infrastructure during winter.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of delivering promised systems, especially Patriot air defense systems, to help Ukraine defend its critical infrastructure.

The meeting also focused on expanding Ukraine’s defense industrial base to ensure long-term support, particularly as the Biden administration’s tenure winds down. Since 2022, member nations of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group have provided approximately $106 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, with the U.S. contributing more than $56 billion of that total.

The gathering in Germany follows a surprise Ukrainian assault inside Russia’s Kursk territory, where Zelenskyy claimed Ukraine captured about 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory and inflicted significant casualties on Russian forces.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts while balancing concerns about potential escalation. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the trajectory of the ongoing war and Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

AP

Israeli Forces Withdraw from West Bank Camps After Deadly Operation

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Israeli forces appeared to have withdrawn from three refugee camps in the occupied West Bank by Friday morning, following a weeklong military operation that left dozens dead and widespread destruction in its wake.

An Associated Press reporter in the Jenin refugee camp, the main focus of the operation, observed no remaining Israeli troops as dawn broke on Friday. Overnight, armored personnel carriers were seen leaving the camp via a checkpoint on one of the main roads.

The Israeli military, however, indicated in a statement that the operation might not be over: “Israeli security forces are continuing to act in order to achieve the objectives of the counterterrorism operation.”

The extensive military action, which involved hundreds of Israeli troops, has been the deadliest in the West Bank since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war nearly 11 months ago. The United Nations characterized the tactics employed as “lethal war-like.”

According to local health officials, 39 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli push in the West Bank, with 21 of those deaths occurring in Jenin. The Israeli military claims most of the casualties were militants.

The operation has had severe consequences for Palestinian civilians in Jenin. Residents have endured cuts to water and electricity, confinement to their homes, and delays in medical evacuations due to Israeli soldiers searching for militants. Military bulldozers tore up roads in search of buried explosives, causing significant infrastructure damage.

An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the destruction but attributed it to militants planting explosives in civilian areas.

As the operation appeared to wind down, residents of Jenin emerged to assess the damage. The camp bore the scars of intense fighting, with collapsed buildings, twisted rebar protruding from concrete, and bullet-pocked walls.

In the Tulkarem camp, which Israeli forces had also withdrawn from by Friday morning, resident Ziad Abu Tahoun lamented the extensive damage: “Look at the condition of the camp, the camp is in a deplorable state. They’ve set us back 60 years.”

The Israeli military operation in the West Bank comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began with Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and the taking of over 100 hostages, about a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza. The ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants, also reports more than 94,000 wounded since the start of the war.

Amid the ongoing conflict, health workers in southern Gaza have resumed a polio vaccination campaign for children. The effort, coordinated by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, aims to vaccinate 640,000 Palestinian children against polio following the first reported case in 25 years.

Israel has faced mounting pressure from the United States and other allies to reach a cease-fire deal in Gaza. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on maintaining Israeli control over the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip along Gaza’s border with Egypt, claiming it’s used by Hamas for weapons smuggling – an allegation denied by both Egypt and Hamas.

Hamas has accused Israel of prolonging negotiations by introducing new demands, including control over both the Philadelphi corridor and a second corridor across Gaza. The militant group has offered to release all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the protracted conflict that has caused immense suffering on both sides.

Source: apnews.com

Teen Suspect in Georgia High School Shooting Appears in Court

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WINDER, Georgia — The 14-year-old suspect in a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, appeared in court Friday morning for a detention hearing. The teen, identified as Colt Gray, will remain in custody after his lawyer declined to seek bail.

The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in the deaths of four people and left nine others injured. Gray is facing adult charges of four counts of murder for the killings of two students — Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14 — and two teachers — Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

According to arrest warrants obtained by The Associated Press, Gray allegedly used a semiautomatic assault-style rifle in the attack. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting or explained how Gray obtained the weapon and brought it into the school.

During Friday’s hearing, Gray appeared in shackles, wearing khaki pants and a green shirt. The proceedings took place at the Barrow County courthouse, where court workers had prepared for an emotional day by placing tissue boxes along the courtroom benches.

In a related development, the suspect’s father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, was arrested Thursday and charged in connection with the shooting. Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey announced that the elder Gray faces counts of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder.

“His charges are directly connected with the actions of his son and allowing him to possess a weapon,” Hosey stated. Colin Gray’s first court appearance was also scheduled for Friday.

This case adds to a growing trend of prosecutors holding parents accountable for their children’s actions in school shootings. In April, Michigan parents Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted in a landmark case related to a 2021 school shooting carried out by their son. They received sentences of at least 10 years in prison for failing to secure a firearm at home and ignoring signs of their son’s declining mental health.

Prior to the shooting, Colt Gray had been investigated in May 2023 regarding a menacing social media post. According to a sheriff’s report, Gray denied threatening to carry out a school shooting when interviewed by authorities. Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum stated that conflicting evidence about the post’s origin prevented any arrests at that time.

The Apalachee High School shooting marks the 30th mass killing in the United States this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. The incident has reignited debates about gun control and school safety measures.

As the community grapples with the tragedy, remembrances of the victims have begun to emerge. Mason Schermerhorn was recalled as an inquisitive child by a neighbor. Richard Aspinwall, a math teacher, also helped coach the school’s football team. Cristina Irimie, who immigrated from Romania, was known for her volunteer work teaching dance at a local church.

The shooting in Winder adds to a series of tragic school shootings across the United States in recent years, including notably deadly incidents in Newtown, Connecticut; Parkland, Florida; and Uvalde, Texas. Despite ongoing public discourse, significant changes to national gun laws have remained elusive.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Winder community and the nation at large are left to confront the recurring issue of gun violence in schools and the complex factors that contribute to these tragic events.

Legendary Educator Fr Damian Grimes to be Laid to Rest in Uganda

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The Reverend Father Damian Grimes, a Mill Hill Missionary widely regarded as one of Uganda’s most influential educators, will be laid to rest in Namasagali, Uganda, following his passing at age 93 in Liverpool, UK, on September 4, 2024.

Sources close to the funeral arrangements have confirmed to the Nile Post that Fr Grimes’ body will be repatriated to Uganda in accordance with his final wishes. The Namasagali Old Students Association is coordinating efforts to bring his remains back to the country where he left an indelible mark on education.

“Advance plans are in place for a service here and for his body to be returned to Uganda,” a source involved in the UK funeral planning stated. Catherine Tabingwa, an alumna of Namasagali College, added, “He will be buried at Namasagali College as one of his death wishes, so plans are underway to bring back his body.”

Fr Grimes served as the headteacher of Namasagali College from 1967, transforming the institution into a beacon of holistic education in Uganda. His innovative approach emphasized a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, particularly in music, dance, and drama.

Patrick Bitatura, a prominent Ugandan businessman and entrepreneur, told the Nile Post that the old students’ association is working to involve all key stakeholders in the funeral arrangements. “We want to make sure that all stakeholders feel that they are involved and get a fair share,” Bitatura said, noting Fr Grimes’ impact extended beyond Namasagali College to other institutions like Namilyango College.

On his 92nd birthday

In the interim, Bitatura has offered the gardens of his Protea Hotel in Kololo, Kampala, for a vigil until a definitive funeral plan is established.

Fr Grimes’ educational philosophy revolutionized learning at Namasagali College. He mandated participation in extracurricular activities for all students, making the school renowned for its performances in drama, dance, and music. The school’s productions became a staple at Uganda’s National Theatre and on national television.

Under Fr Grimes’ leadership, Namasagali College produced numerous notable alumni who have gone on to become leaders in various fields. These include Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda; Charles Mbire, a prominent businessman; and Robert Kabushenga, former CEO of Vision Group.

The Mill Hill Missionaries, Fr Grimes’ religious order, announced his passing on social media, stating that further details, including funeral arrangements, would be provided at a later date.

Fr Grimes’ legacy in Uganda’s education sector is marked by his emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals. As Grace Flavia Ibanda, a former student and dance professional, noted, Fr Grimes instilled in his students the ability to build character, negotiate space and time, work with diverse people, and utilize any available resources.

The repatriation of Fr Grimes’ body to Namasagali symbolizes the closing of an earthly chapter for a man who dedicated his life to shaping generations of Ugandan youth. His burial at Namasagali College will serve as a lasting testament to his profound impact on education in Uganda.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

Serbian President Declines Putin’s Invitation to BRICS Summit in Russia

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has turned down an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia, citing scheduling conflicts, according to reports from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Balkan service on Thursday.

“We have important guests [coming] from abroad at that time,” Vucic explained, indicating that pre-existing commitments would prevent his attendance at the high-level BRICS meeting scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan.

The invitation, which Vucic confirmed receiving “10-12 days ago,” had initially been under consideration by the Serbian leader. Putin expressed hope on Wednesday that Vucic would accept the invitation to participate in the summit.

BRICS, an economic group originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The organization aims to unite major emerging economies and serve as a counterbalance to Western economic influence.

This development comes amid growing tension between Serbia’s historical ties with Russia and its aspirations to join the European Union. Earlier on Thursday, the EU issued a warning to Serbia, stating that maintaining strong relations with Russia was “incompatible” with its EU membership ambitions.

The EU’s statement followed comments made by Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, who described Belgrade as an “ally of Russia” during a meeting with Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

Serbia’s position remains complex, as the country has deep historical and economic ties with Russia, including a heavy reliance on Russian natural gas. While Serbia condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a United Nations vote, it has resisted imposing sanctions on Moscow, unlike many Western nations.

The decision by Vucic to decline the BRICS summit invitation highlights the delicate balancing act Serbia continues to perform between its traditional ally Russia and its aspirations for closer integration with the European Union.

Serbian officials have not provided further details about the “important guests” cited as the reason for Vucic’s inability to attend the BRICS summit. The move, however, may be seen as an attempt by Belgrade to navigate the increasingly complicated diplomatic landscape it faces as it seeks to maintain relationships with both East and West.

U.S. Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking While on Supervised Release

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A Stoughton, Massachusetts man has been sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for his involvement in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation while already on federal supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced Thursday.

Angel Morales, 53, received the 151-month prison term followed by five years of supervised release from U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley. The sentencing comes after Morales pleaded guilty in April 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents, Morales was part of a widespread conspiracy involving a pill press operation that manufactured, sold, and mailed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other drugs between September and November 2022. Prosecutors stated that Morales’s primary role in the operation was to ship packages from various post offices across Massachusetts.

Law enforcement officials reported that Morales used post offices and FedEx facilities in multiple locations including Boston, Randolph, Holbrook, Quincy, Mattapan, Braintree, and Milton to mail over 150 packages. He was aware that some of these packages contained controlled substances. The operation came to light when FedEx employees, following their internal procedures, opened packages and discovered clear plastic sandwich bags filled with pills bearing markings consistent with prescription-only medication. These pills later tested positive for fentanyl.

During October and November 2022, law enforcement observed Morales leaving an apartment in Mattapan before traveling to multiple shipping locations. A subsequent search of the Mattapan apartment yielded significant evidence:

– Over 20 kilograms of pills in various colors, with samples testing positive for fentanyl

– More than 20 kilograms of loose powder, also testing positive for fentanyl

– Numerous packages and mailing labels

– Electronic devices

– Cash

– Three industrial-grade pill presses

– Additional quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine

The case against Morales is particularly notable as he committed these offenses while on federal supervised release. Court records indicate he had been granted compassionate release in 2020 from a previous sentence.

Morales was the last of four co-defendants to be sentenced in this case. The other sentences handed down were:

– Quenty Ogando: 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release (sentenced January 31, 2024)

– Rahelin Reynoso: Six years in prison and two years of supervised release (sentenced June 2024)

– Erika Prado: Time served with one year of supervised release (sentenced April 2024)

The investigation and prosecution involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy made the announcement along with Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.

Additional assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, United States Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane and Jennifer Zacks of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.

Source: DOJ

Ethiopia Releases Seven Opposition Leaders After Four-Year Detention

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The Ethiopian government has released seven members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) from prison after more than four years of detention, according to an OLF spokesperson.

Lemi Gemechu, speaking to VOA’s Horn of Africa Service, confirmed that Abdi Regassa, Dawit Abdeta, Lammi Begna, Michael Boran, Kenessa Ayana, Gada Gabisa, and Gada Oljira were freed on Thursday from various prisons across the country.

“Just now, the Oromo Liberation Front leaders who have been imprisoned for over four years at different sites have been released,” Gemechu said. He added that the release process took place at Burayu police station outside Addis Ababa.

Abdi Regassa, a prominent figure among those released, once served as the commander of OLF’s military wing. The other freed individuals held positions within the OLF’s executive and central committees.

The OLF, in a statement on Facebook, said the members were released on bail. The party characterized their detention as “unjust” and claimed they were held for “exercising their legitimate political rights.”

Human rights groups had previously described the 2020 arrests as “purely political.”

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs welcomed the releases, stating, “We remain ready to support negotiations aimed at ending the violence and promoting durable peace for all Ethiopians.”

As of this report, the Ethiopian government has not officially commented on the opposition figures’ release.

In a separate development, the family of Taye Dendea, a former Ethiopian state minister of peace, expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision to deny him bail. Dendea was arrested in December after posting comments critical of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The OLF, an opposition party, has long advocated for the rights and self-determination of the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group.

UK to Send 650 More Missiles to Ukraine in £162 Million Aid Package

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The United Kingdom announced Friday it will send an additional 650 short-range missiles to Ukraine as part of a new £162 million ($205 million) military aid package. The announcement came during a defense summit at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for increased support from Western allies.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the package, which includes Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LLM), would provide “an important boost” to Ukraine’s air defenses. The new commitment brings the UK’s total military support to Ukraine to £7.6 billion ($9.6 billion) since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

Zelenskyy, addressing the summit, expressed gratitude for existing military aid but urged allies to authorize the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles on targets inside Russia. He argued this capability is necessary to end the war.

“We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on the Russian territory,” Zelenskyy said.

The United States, Ukraine’s largest supporter, also announced $250 million in additional military aid at the summit.

Prof Michael Clark, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, told BBC Radio 4 that while significant, the UK’s missile supply would likely be “exhausted within a couple of months” given the intensity of Russian attacks.

The new aid follows a Russian missile strike on Poltava, central Ukraine, that killed at least 51 people earlier this week.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously committed to sending £3 billion annually to Ukraine “for as long as needed.” The UK’s total commitment to Ukraine since the war’s start now stands at £12.7 billion ($16 billion), including both military and non-military support.

More Kenyan Schools Close After Fires; Rescuers Find Children Hiding Under Beds

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In the wake of the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, two more Kenyan schools have been closed indefinitely following dormitory fires. St. Peters Clevers Boys Secondary School and Maiani Boys Secondary School in Makueni county sent students home after their dormitories were razed on Thursday night. No casualties were reported in these incidents, which occurred while students were in evening classes.

These closures bring the total number of public secondary schools shut down in Makueni county to at least five over the past two weeks due to similar fire incidents. The cause of these fires remains under investigation.

New details have emerged about the fatal fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri county. Local government official Samson Mwangi Mwema told journalists that the fire started around 23:00 local time. Mwema, who joined rescue efforts after receiving a phone call, described a chaotic scene with over 2,000 people attempting to save the trapped boys.

“No one knew where the fire came from… but we were more than 2,000 people trying to rescue [them],” Mwema said. “We found some children under the bed, and we were able to rescue them, some had not been burned.”

Mwema emphasized the school’s reputation as one of the best in the area, calling the incident “a huge loss” but expressing determination to continue with support from the community.

The Kenya Red Cross has been actively involved in the response efforts. The organization is working to reunite pupils with their parents, including those hospitalized. They are providing psychosocial support and assessing the children’s well-being in collaboration with a multi-agency response team.

These incidents have raised serious concerns about fire safety in Kenyan schools and the effectiveness of existing preventive measures. As investigations continue, education officials and local authorities face mounting pressure to address the recurring issue of school fires and ensure the safety of students across the country.

The string of fire incidents has left many parents anxious and questioning the safety of boarding schools, which are popular in Kenya due to the belief that they provide students with more dedicated study time.

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