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Iraqi Court Issues Death Sentence Against Wife of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for Crimes Against Yazidi Women

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An Iraqi court has sentenced one of the wives of the late Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, to death. The court found her complicit in crimes against Yazidi women captured by the militant group, the country’s judiciary announced on Wednesday.

The late Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his wife

This decision comes just weeks before the 10-year mark of the Islamic State’s (IS) brutal attacks on the Yazidi religious minority in the northern Iraqi region of Sinjar. Starting in early August 2014, IS killed and captured thousands of Yazidis, including women and girls who were subjected to human trafficking and sexual abuse. The United Nations has declared the campaign against the Yazidis amounted to genocide.

The Karkh Criminal Court in Iraq handed down the death sentence to the woman for her role in “detaining Yazidi women in her home” and facilitating their kidnapping by “the terrorist (Islamic State group) gangs in Sinjar district.” This ruling was issued in accordance with Iraq’s anti-terrorism law and its “Yazidi survivors law,” as stated by Iraq’s judicial council.

The late Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Although the statement did not name the defendant, two court officials identified her as Asma Mohammed, who was arrested in 2018 in Turkey and later extradited. Another wife of al-Baghdadi and his daughter were also extradited from Turkey to Iraq and sentenced to life in prison for their involvement. The sentences were handed down a week ago but were announced by the judicial council on Wednesday.

Officials provided this information on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly. Survivors of IS attacks in Iraq have expressed concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in the judicial process.

This decision, made at the request of the Iraqi government, represents a significant move in holding those involved in IS crimes accountable, including the alleged use of chemical weapons against the Yazidis.

The ruling underscores the ongoing efforts to achieve justice for the Yazidi community and address the atrocities committed during IS’s reign of terror. The international community continues to watch closely as Iraq navigates its judicial process in dealing with the remnants of IS’s leadership and those complicit in its crimes.

The Associated Press

Chinese Woman Rescued After 37 Hours Adrift in the Pacific Ocean Off Japanese Coast

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A Chinese woman in her 20s was rescued 37 hours after being swept out to sea while swimming at a Japanese beach, officials said Thursday. She had drifted more than 80 kilometers (50 miles) in the Pacific Ocean.

Japan’s coast guard initiated a search after receiving a call Monday night from the woman’s friend, who reported her missing while swimming at Shimoda, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

The woman was spotted by a cargo ship early Wednesday, approximately 36 hours after her disappearance, off the southern tip of Boso Peninsula, the coast guard reported.

The cargo ship alerted a passing LPG tanker, the Kakuwa Maru No. 8, for assistance. Two crew members from the tanker jumped into the sea and rescued the woman, officials confirmed. She was then airlifted by a coast guard helicopter to land.

Although slightly dehydrated, the woman was in good health and walked away after being examined at a nearby hospital. Officials noted she was fortunate to have survived the ordeal, which included the dangers of heat stroke under the sun, hypothermia at night, and the risk of being hit by a ship in the dark.

Credit: The Associated Press.

Chelsea FC Prepares for 2024 Pre-Season Under New Manager Enzo Maresca in U.S Cities

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Chelsea FC is set to embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino from Stamford Bridge after the 2023-24 season. Pochettino’s tenure saw the Blues finishing sixth in the Premier League, exiting the FA Cup in the semi-finals, and ending as runners-up to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

Maresca Takes the Helm

Enzo Maresca steps in as Chelsea’s new manager, aiming to rejuvenate the team for the upcoming season. The Blues will compete in the Europa Conference League play-off round this season, having missed out on the Europa League after Manchester United secured the FA Cup.

Chelsea’s 2024 Pre-Season Fixtures in U.S Cities

As Chelsea gears up for the 2024-25 season, here is an overview of their pre-season schedule, ticket information, and where to watch the matches live:

Pre-Season Schedule:

Date | Game | Kick-off Time | Venue

Wed, Jul 24 | Chelsea vs Wrexham | 10:30 pm ET (3:30 am BST) | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

Sat, Jul 27 | Chelsea vs Celtic | 4 pm ET (9 pm BST) | Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana

Wed, Jul 31 | Chelsea vs Club America | 7:30 pm ET (00:30 am BST) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Copa America Semifinal Turns Violent as Uruguay Players Brawl with Fans

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The second Copa America semifinal turned violent on Wednesday when Uruguayan players clashed with fans in the stands after being eliminated by Colombia. The incident occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Details of the Incident

Cameras captured several players, led by Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez, entering the stands and exchanging punches with Colombia fans as security staff attempted to intervene. Núñez was seen throwing multiple punches, and Uruguay defender José María Giménez was also observed throwing at least one punch, according to videos verified by NBC News.

Statements and Reactions

In a post-game interview, Giménez attributed the brawl to a “certain sector of Colombia fans” who he said “did an avalanche” on the families of Uruguayan players. He urged organizers to implement stronger precautions, stating, “because the same thing happens every game.”

“This is a disaster. Our families were in danger,” Giménez emphasized.

Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, told reporters after the game that the Uruguayan players were trying to protect their families. “Uruguay’s players had an instinctive reaction, which is natural, which is going to defend and protect the children who were on that side of the stands, who were suffering attacks, the women, the parents, the closest family members, the fans,” he said.

In a statement, CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing body, condemned the incident, saying it “strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football.”

England Reaches Euro 2024 Final: King Charles Congratulates Team, Asked for Less Drama

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In a thrilling match against The Netherlands, England secured their place in the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 victory. King Charles III extended his “warmest congratulations” to the team, commending their outstanding performance and wishing them “very best wishes” for Sunday’s final against Spain.

King Charles’ Message to the Team

Recognizing the intense emotions and nail-biting moments England fans have experienced, King Charles urged the team to aim for a decisive victory in the final. If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last-minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated,” he remarked.

Support from Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Prince William, who serves as the president of the Football Association, specifically praised Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins for his crucial goal that ensured England’s advancement. “What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England! #EURO2024 Finalists,” Prince William tweeted, showcasing his support for the Birmingham club player.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a dedicated Arsenal fan, also attended the game while participating in a NATO summit in Washington. He has confirmed that he will travel to Berlin for the final match.

Looking Forward to the Final

As England prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the nation’s excitement and hopes are high. With King Charles’ encouragement and the collective support of fans, the team aims to bring home the championship, avoiding the nerve-shredding drama of previous matches.

Source: vangaurdngr.com

Nigerian Naira Depreciates Against US Dollar in Parallel and Official Markets

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The Nigerian Naira has experienced a notable depreciation against the US Dollar in both the parallel market and the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). This development underscores the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s currency and broader economic landscape.

In the parallel market, the Naira depreciated to N1,560 per dollar, marking a decline from N1,535 per dollar recorded on Tuesday. This represents a depreciation of 25 Naira within a single day in the unofficial market.

Simultaneously, the official NAFEM market saw a similar trend. Data from FMDQ revealed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,561.98 per dollar, up from N1,532.58 per dollar on Tuesday. This indicates a significant depreciation of N29.4 for the Naira in the official market.

As a result of these movements, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates has narrowed to N1.98 per dollar, compared to N2.42 per dollar observed on Tuesday. This convergence suggests a closer alignment between the official and unofficial exchange rates, albeit at a depreciated level for the Naira.

The depreciation of the Naira in both markets reflects ongoing pressures on Nigeria’s currency, which may be attributed to various factors including foreign exchange scarcity, economic policies, and global market conditions. These developments are likely to have implications for businesses, investors, and consumers in Nigeria, potentially affecting import costs, inflation, and overall economic stability.

As the situation continues to evolve, market participants and policymakers will be closely monitoring these exchange rate movements and their broader economic impacts. The Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant authorities may need to consider further measures to address the currency’s depreciation and stabilize the foreign exchange market.

Source: Punchng.com

80-Year-Old Man Arrested in Bayelsa, Nigeria for Alleged Child Defilement

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In Otuokpoti community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, an 80-year-old man identified as Pa. Stephen has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl. The incident occurred in the Ogbia Local Government Area.

The arrest was facilitated by several gender advocacy groups, including the Dise Ogbise Foundation, Reigneth Foundation, Starrz Safety Initiative, and Collins Cocodia Foundation. These organizations were involved in ensuring the accused was apprehended and remanded in police custody.

Local sources reported that the suspect was known within the community. The case came to attention when the victim’s foster mother noticed changes in the child’s behavior, including signs of illness and distraction during routine tasks.

The alleged abuse had reportedly been ongoing for about a year. Neighbors had previously informed the foster mother about the suspect’s behavior, noting his habit of giving money to the young girl. A community member witnessed the child entering the suspect’s house after school and alerted others, leading to her rescue.

The Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, provided medical examination for the victim. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, founder of the Dise Foundation, stated that the victim would undergo psychological examination. The child has been placed in protective custody under the Bayelsa State Government’s Ministry of Women Affairs.

The case has been transferred from the Divisional Police headquarters in Ogbia Town to the state police headquarters in Yenagoa for further investigation. At the time of reporting, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, had not confirmed the development.

This incident has brought attention to the issue of child abuse in the community. It has also highlighted the role of community involvement and gender advocacy groups in addressing such cases.

The case is currently under investigation, and legal proceedings are expected to follow. The arrest has drawn attention to child protection measures in Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.

Colombia Beat Uruguay 1-0 to Reach Copa America 2024 Final

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In a tense and dramatic Copa America 2024 semifinal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, Colombia emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Uruguay. The match, characterized by intense defensive play and missed opportunities, saw Colombia advance to the final where they will face Argentina.

The decisive moment came in the 39th minute when Jefferson Lerma headed home from a James Rodriguez corner. This assist marked Rodriguez’s sixth of the tournament, breaking Lionel Messi’s previous record and underlining his importance to the Colombian team.

Uruguay, despite creating several chances, particularly through Darwin Nunez, failed to find the equalizer. Nunez came closest in the 17th minute, narrowly missing the target after getting between two defenders.

The match took a dramatic turn in first-half stoppage time when Colombia’s Daniel Munoz received a second yellow card for elbowing Manuel Ugarte, reducing his team to ten men for the entire second half. This incident forced Colombia into a more defensive stance, with coach Nestor Lorenzo making tactical substitutions to protect their lead.

Key moments of the match included:

– James Rodriguez’s record-breaking assist for Lerma’s goal (39′)

– Darwin Nunez’s near miss (17′)

– Daniel Munoz’s red card (45+1′)

– Luis Suarez’s shot hitting the post (71′)

– Goalkeeper Sergio Rochet’s crucial save from Mateus Uribe’s strike (90+4′)

Colombia’s defense, led by players like Johan Mojica, put in a heroic performance in the second half, throwing their bodies on the line to maintain the clean sheet. Uruguay introduced Luis Suarez in the 66th minute in a bid to find an equalizer, but even his presence couldn’t breach the Colombian backline.

The match was not without controversy, with several yellow cards issued and tensions running high throughout. James Rodriguez himself was booked for dissent in the 55th minute, leading to his substitution to avoid the risk of a red card.

As the final whistle blew, Colombia’s players erupted in celebration, having secured their place in the Copa America 2024 final against Argentina. This victory continues Colombia’s impressive run in the tournament and sets up an enticing final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

For Uruguay, this defeat marks a disappointing end to their Copa America campaign. Despite the efforts of stars like Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez, they couldn’t find a way past Colombia’s resilient defense.

The final, set to be a clash between South American giants Colombia and Argentina, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has been an exciting Copa America 2024 tournament.

UK Police Locate Suspect in Triple Murder of BBC Commentator’s Family

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London, July 10, 2024- British police announced on Wednesday that they had located a man wanted in connection with the murder of three women: the wife and two daughters of a BBC horse racing commentator, in an incident believed to have involved a crossbow.

Officers discovered the three victims, aged 25, 28, and 61, with serious injuries at their home in Bushey, a leafy town 20 miles northwest of London, on Tuesday evening. They were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

This is an undated photo issued by Hertfordshire Police on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 of Kyle Clifford, who is wanted in connection with an incident in Bushey, England. 

The BBC identified the women as Carol Hunt, the wife of its commentator John Hunt, and their two daughters.

A massive search involving armed officers was launched for the suspect, Kyle Clifford, with police warning the public not to approach the 26-year-old.

“Following extensive enquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time,” Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the local Major Crime Unit said in a statement.

The couples killed.

Police said Clifford had been found in north London and was receiving medical treatment for injuries. No shots were fired by the police during the apprehension.

The victims are yet to be formally identified, but police said they believed Clifford was known to the three women.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson called the incident “horrific,” telling reporters that a crossbow and possibly other weapons were believed to have been involved.

Friends and colleagues of John Hunt expressed their shock at the news. “Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you, John. We love you pal – racing loves you,” ITV horse racing commentator Matt Chapman said on X.

Nicolas Cage’s Son Weston, 33, Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Mother During Mental Health Crisis

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Los Angeles, July 10, 2024- Weston Cage, 33, son of actor Nicolas Cage, was arrested for allegedly assaulting his mother, Christina Fulton, 57, during a mental health crisis. The LAPD confirmed that Weston was booked on Wednesday for assault with a deadly weapon, just weeks after his mother was seen with intense bruises on her face.

Weston was released on a $150,000 bail around 10 a.m. The U.S. Sun reported that his father, Nicolas Cage, is believed to have bailed him out. “The family knew this was going to happen but needless to say, it is a very big shock,” a source close to the family said.

The altercation between Weston and Fulton occurred on April 28 in the Los Angeles area, escalating from a verbal dispute to physical violence. An ambulance was reportedly called to check on Fulton, but she declined hospital treatment.

Investigators say Weston was gone by the time police arrived at the scene. Law enforcement will determine if the case will be considered felony battery.

Sources close to Fulton say she was trying to console her son, who was experiencing emotional distress. Fulton has denied that they got into an argument and has requested privacy.

Onlookers reported seeing the actress sitting in a parking meter area with a black eye and fading bruises. She was later seen hugging an unknown friend.

Previously, Fulton stated that she had reached out to some of Weston’s friends for assistance on April 28 due to his mental health crisis. She described the situation as a “horrific experience” due to her son’s severe mental state.

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