U.S. prosecutors have charged five individuals in connection with the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced on Thursday that the group, including Perry’s personal assistant and two doctors, were part of what he described as a “broad underground criminal network” supplying Perry with dangerous amounts of ketamine.
Two individuals, including one doctor, were arrested on Thursday. Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and another defendant have already pleaded guilty, while a third person has agreed to plead guilty.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces seven counts of ketamine distribution and two charges related to falsifying records after Perry’s death. Dr. Mark Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Prosecutors allege the doctors exploited Perry’s history of addiction, providing him with ketamine in amounts they knew were dangerous.
Financial records show Perry paid approximately $55,000 in cash to the doctors in the two months before his death. In one instance, Perry reportedly paid $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that cost a physician about $12.
Jasveen Sangha, described as a drug dealer known as the “ketamine queen,” was also charged. Prosecutors allege ketamine supplied by Sangha caused Perry’s death.
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, allegedly administered several ketamine injections on the day of Perry’s death. Iwamasa discovered Perry’s body and was the first to speak with investigators.
Prosecutors claim the defendants exchanged messages referencing ketamine as the cause of death shortly after Perry died and allegedly deleted messages and falsified medical records to conceal their involvement.
Matthew Perry, 54, was found dead in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. The autopsy revealed that the amount of ketamine in his blood was consistent with levels used for general anesthesia during surgery. The medical examiner listed ketamine as the primary cause of death, with drowning and other medical issues as contributing factors.
If convicted, Dr. Plasencia could face up to 120 years in prison, while Sangha could potentially receive a life sentence.
This case follows other high-profile prosecutions related to celebrity drug deaths, including those following the deaths of rapper Mac Miller and pop icon Michael Jackson.
TORORO, UGANDA | Obore Village in Tororo Municipality, Uganda, was plunged into mourning after a horrific incident involving the brutal attack and killing of Joseph Olokojo, a 63-year-old retired educator and former headmaster of St Peter’s College. Unknown assailants broke into Olokojo’s residence late at night and set him on fire in a shocking act of violence.
According to police reports, the attackers breached the perimeter fence of his home around midnight. As Olokojo attempted to flee and protect his family, the assailants overpowered him, dousing him in petrol before setting him ablaze.
Olokojo was initially rushed to St Anthony Hospital in Tororo, where his condition deteriorated. He was then transferred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and later to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“We have launched an investigation and are urging anyone with information about this attack to come forward,” said Moses Mugwe, spokesperson for Bukedi South Police.
The attack has shocked the community of Obore Village, leaving them grieving over the loss of a beloved figure known for his dedication to education and his role as a community leader.
“Olokojo was a peaceful man and a pillar of our community,” said Ronald Paito, a local resident. “His kindness and dedication to his students made him beloved by all who knew him.”
Olokojo’s contributions as an educator will not be forgotten, as he played a significant role in shaping the lives of many students during his tenure as headmaster at St Peter’s College. The entire community remembers him as a devoted educator who was ever-present and active in service to the community.
For six agonizing days, baby Benitta Nakalema’s lifeless body remained buried beneath a massive garbage slide at Kiteezi landfill, Uganda. On Thursday afternoon, search and rescue teams finally recovered her remains, alongside those of 6-year-old Simon Katerega and 9-year-old Leticia Nassiwa. The tragic incident has now claimed 34 lives, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango.
The fourth victim identified was Moureen Nakitto, 29. All the bodies were identified by residents Margaret Nakabiri and Fred Lukanga, bringing the community together in sorrow over the devastating losses caused by the landfill collapse.
Authorities have reported that 29 individuals are still unaccounted for, as rescue teams battle severe weather conditions. The collapse occurred following a heavy downpour, engulfing homes in the area. City authorities had previously been warned about the hazardous conditions at the landfill.
The Kiteezi landfill, Uganda had already surpassed its capacity, and now the garbage collapse has created a dire situation for the surrounding community. Despite the rainy season hampering rescue operations, efforts continue to search for those still missing.
The Tarkwa Circuit Court in the Western Region, Ghana, has sentenced Evans Aryee, a 19-year-old small-scale miner, to 15 years of imprisonment with hard labor for defiling and impregnating a 15-year-old girl.
Aryee, who is popularly known as Kojo Junior, admitted to having sexual relations with the minor but denied responsibility for the pregnancy. However, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, the presiding judge, found Aryee guilty of the offense and handed down the sentence accordingly.
Superintendent of Police Juliana Essel-Dadzie, who led the prosecution, explained that the complainant in the case was the victim’s father, a farmer residing in the same community as Aryee at Pieso in the Western Region.
This case highlights the legal consequences of sexual offenses involving minors and the emphasis on justice for victims in such circumstances.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held high-level discussions with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.
The talks primarily centered on the escalating Gaza conflict, highlighting Türkiye’s continued support for the Palestinian cause amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
In the private meeting, Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, particularly in the wake of increased violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza.
According to a statement from the Presidential Communications Directorate, the two leaders discussed Israel’s military actions in Palestine and explored possible steps toward achieving a permanent cease-fire. This meeting underscores Erdoğan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to foster peace in the region.
Erdoğan was vocal in his criticism of Western nations for either remaining silent or openly supporting Israel’s military strikes, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties in Gaza.
The Turkish president urged the international community, particularly Muslim-majority nations, to advocate for an immediate cease-fire and to prioritize the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to affected areas.
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, is scheduled to address the Turkish parliament on Thursday.
His speech is expected to articulate the Palestinian perspective on the conflict and to serve as a direct response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent address to the U.S. Congress.
Upon his arrival in Türkiye, Abbas was welcomed by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Palestinian Ambassador Faed Mustafa. The diplomatic visit is seen as a crucial moment in Turkish-Palestinian relations, particularly as the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East becomes increasingly fraught with tensions.
Abbas’s visit also comes at a time when the region is on edge over the potential for Iranian retaliation against Israel. The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has raised concerns about the possibility of a broader conflict enveloping the Middle East, further complicating efforts to broker peace between Israel and Palestine.
Erdoğan and Abbas’s dialogue marks an important chapter in Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reaffirming its role as a key player in regional diplomacy and humanitarian advocacy.
The Turkish president’s call for global action signals a continued push for a peaceful resolution and highlights the necessity of international cooperation in ending the violence and delivering much-needed aid to Gaza.
South African prosecutors have dropped charges against 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested last month during a widely publicized police raid on what authorities had described as an illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga province, officials announced on Thursday.
The men, who had entered South Africa on study visas, were reportedly receiving military training at the camp where firearms and ammunition were found during the raid.
During their court appearances, the accused claimed they were undergoing security training, not military training, at the camp.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa stated that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the men.
“The only charge that was brought to the NPA was related to immigration violations,” said NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa. “The charge was for contravening immigration laws, not for military training.”
Nyuswa further clarified that the men were charged with violating immigration laws, not military laws, and their lawyer had anticipated the charges would be dropped, with their deportation to Libya expected within 48 hours.
Following the dismissal of charges, the men were handed over to immigration officials. Their lawyer, Nico du Plessis, emphasized that his clients had maintained they were in South Africa for security training purposes.
“They are happy with the charges being dropped, as we had expected,” Du Plessis told reporters. “However, as far as we know, investigations into the alleged military training at the camp are ongoing, though our clients were only involved in security training.”
This development ends the legal proceedings against the group but raises further questions regarding the nature of the training they were receiving and the broader implications for security and immigration in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that Ukrainian forces had successfully taken full control of the Russian town of Sudzha.
This marks a significant achievement for Ukraine, as Sudzha becomes the largest population center to fall under Ukrainian control since the commencement of the cross-border offensive earlier this month.
Despite having a prewar population of around 5,000 people, Sudzha holds considerable strategic value. Located in Russia’s Kursk region, Sudzha serves as the administrative hub for the area.
It is larger than any of the other small towns and settlements that Ukrainian forces have taken since the start of their cross-border incursion on August 6.
Sudzha plays a crucial role in the flow of Russian natural gas to Europe. The town houses a measuring station for Russian gas that travels through
Ukrainian pipelines, supplying about 3% of Europe’s total gas imports. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian officials have assured that there has been no disruption to gas flow through Sudzha, a factor vital to Europe’s energy stability.
In his statement, President Zelenskyy hinted at Ukraine’s long-term plans for Sudzha. A Ukrainian military command office is reportedly being established in the town, suggesting Ukraine may have a sustained presence in Russia’s Kursk region.
While Zelenskyy did not elaborate on the office’s specific functions, he emphasized that humanitarian aid would be provided to the residents of Sudzha, underscoring Ukraine’s intent to assist civilians in areas under their control.
The capture of Sudzha represents a significant milestone for Ukraine in its ongoing offensive. By securing control of the town, Ukrainian forces gain both a strategic foothold and a critical point of leverage over Russia, particularly with regards to its energy supplies to Europe. As Ukraine consolidates its gains, all eyes will be on the continued progress of this cross-border operation.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has significantly ramped up its surveillance and emergency response systems to swiftly detect any potential cases of Mpox, following a surge of the disease within the sub-region. This comes after the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared Mpox a “public health emergency” of security concern earlier this week.
As Mpox becomes a growing concern, Myjoyonline.com explores critical facts that will help you stay safe and informed:
1. Origin of Mpox
Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, was initially identified in animals at the State Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958. It was discovered during an investigation of a pox-like disease spreading among monkeys, which gave the virus its original name.
Human cases of Mpox were first identified in 1970 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in a 9-year-old boy. Notably, the outbreak occurred in a region where smallpox had been eradicated in 1968. This marked the virus’s initial crossover into the human population.
2. Mpox Spread to the U.S.
In 2003, Mpox made its first appearance outside of Africa, specifically in the Midwestern United States. This marked a historic point as it was the first time Mpox had been confirmed outside of the African continent. Most of the infected patients had come into contact with pet prairie dogs that had been exposed to the virus. This incident highlighted the zoonotic nature of the disease, showing its ability to cross species from animals to humans.
3. How Mpox is Transmitted
Transmission of Mpox occurs primarily through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented through close contact with infected animals, primarily during the handling of monkeys, rats, and squirrels. These animals serve as the main reservoirs of the virus. Zoonotic transmission is an area of significant concern, particularly in regions with frequent human-animal interaction.
4. Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox presents with symptoms that are often similar to but less severe than smallpox. The typical incubation period ranges from 6 to 13 days, though it can extend from 5 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include fever, intense headaches, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), back pain, muscle aches, and a notable lack of energy.
Within 1 to 3 days of the fever, patients often develop a rash, beginning on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash tends to progress through various stages—from macules (flat lesions) to papules (raised bumps), vesicles (fluid-filled bumps), pustules (pus-filled lesions), and scabs. Once the scabs fall off, individuals are considered no longer infectious.
5. The Severity of Mpox
Mpox is typically a self-limiting illness, meaning most cases resolve on their own with proper care. However, the severity can vary greatly, with more severe cases reported in young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. The fatality rate for Mpox has varied between outbreaks, but it typically ranges from 1% to 10%.
6. Prevention of Mpox
Preventing Mpox starts with minimizing contact with animals, particularly those in regions where the virus is prevalent. This includes avoiding the handling of dead animals, ensuring the safe preparation of meat, and maintaining good hygiene. For those working in high-risk environments, such as healthcare settings or animal control, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following sanitation protocols is essential.
7. Vaccine Availability
Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to provide cross-protection against Mpox, though widespread vaccination for Mpox is not typically available. However, countries with confirmed outbreaks may consider vaccination campaigns for high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers or individuals in contact with confirmed cases. Research continues into specific Mpox vaccines.
8. Mpox Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Mpox, though antiviral drugs developed for smallpox may be used in severe cases under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Treatment is generally supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and managing complications like bacterial infections or dehydration.
9. Mpox in Africa and Beyond
Mpox remains endemic to several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Central African Republic. In recent years, cases have been increasingly reported outside of Africa, raising concerns over global health security. Surveillance efforts by organizations like the Africa CDC aim to track and contain the spread, with international cooperation essential to controlling outbreaks.
Mpox continues to be a public health concern, but with appropriate knowledge, vigilance, and health measures, its spread can be curtailed. Stay safe, stay informed, and follow guidelines issued by local and international health authorities.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Richard Selormey, has attributed the rising rate of emigration among health professionals in Ghana to severe economic hardship and the depreciation of the local currency, leading to widespread dissatisfaction within the country’s healthcare sector.
In an interview with Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, Dr. Selormey emphasized that the low salaries and allowances received by Ghana’s healthcare professionals do not reflect the demanding nature of their work. This economic imbalance is forcing many professionals to seek opportunities abroad, further deepening the country’s brain drain in the medical sector.
“The economic situation in Ghana makes it almost impossible for an average doctor to afford basic needs like a car or a house,” Dr. Selormey noted. He stressed that financial constraints are pushing health professionals to question their future in Ghana, leading many to consider emigrating to countries where they can earn a more sustainable income.
The GMA Secretary expressed concern that, despite their dedication, many professionals feel their contributions are undervalued. “People are asking themselves, ‘After all my service to Ghana, what do I gain? How do I survive on a salary that can’t even afford me a home?’ This frustration is driving many doctors and nurses to relocate to countries where their work is appreciated and well-compensated.”
Dr. Selormey further highlighted the burden of healthcare costs, which has worsened as many healthcare workers are now forced to pay out of pocket for their own medical treatment, often within the same hospitals where they work. This situation underscores the need for better healthcare policies that support medical professionals financially and professionally.
To combat this growing issue, Dr. Selormey called on the government to introduce better incentives and non-financial benefits for health professionals in Ghana. He urged policymakers to implement solutions that include salary increases, subsidized housing, healthcare sponsorship programs, and opportunities for professional development.
Dr. Selormey also voiced his frustration over delayed government action on a rural healthcare initiative that could alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by health workers. He stressed that the Ghana Medical Association has had to step in to provide temporary relief for its members.
As Ghana’s healthcare system continues to grapple with these economic challenges, addressing the root causes of health professionals’ dissatisfaction will be crucial to retaining talent and ensuring the long-term stability of the country’s medical sector.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested two individuals for their involvement in the theft of the sign post belonging to the Bachirawa Police Station in the Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, shared the news on Wednesday via Facebook. Kiyawa reported that the suspects were apprehended with the help of local residents in the area.
In a statement originally written in Hausa and translated into English, Kiyawa said, “The person who stole the Bachirawa Police Station sign post and the individual who collected it are working together. We appreciate the local residents who assisted in bringing up a new sign post.”
“We are thankful to the people of Bachirawa,” he added, expressing gratitude for the community’s support.
