Poland Charges Former Minister for Revealing Secret Defense Plan
The legal steps brought against one of the top officials in the Law & Justice party are the latest salvo in Prime Minister Donald Tusk's campaign to investigate alleged abuses of power.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
2 hours ago
- News24
Did Babita Deokaran die in vain? Join us this Wednesday to discuss SA's fight against corruption
In August 2021, Babita Deokaran was gunned down after exposing alleged corruption in Gauteng's Department of Health. Her murder shocked the nation, but has justice been served, and has her sacrifice led to change? On Wednesday, 20 August at noon, join News24's Jeff Wicks, whistleblower and author Cynthia Stimpel, and civil society leader Wayne Duvenage as they discuss the circumstances surrounding Babita's killing and the broader state of whistleblower protection in South Africa. The panel will explore what Babita's case reveals about the country's ability or inability to protect those who speak out, and whether South Africa is making any meaningful progress in its fight against corruption. You can bookmark this article to livestream the discussion when it starts in the video link below.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Democrats call for Utah Senate President to resign after reports that he abused power in child rape case
SALT LAKE CITY () — After reports that Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams used his power to help a relative receive a more favorable sentence in a criminal child rape case, Utah democrats, beginning with State Senator Nate Blouin (D-13), are calling for him to resign. Utah democrats have categorized the reports as corruption and an abuse of power as a result of the republican supermajority in Utah. Adams responded to these reports, stating that the law change was 'rooted in fairness and justice,' rather than being focused on any individual case. He also said that much of the reporting on this story has been driven by political motives, not facts. Last week, the Salt Lake Tribune first reported that the legislature changed the law about unlawful sexual conduct with minors following a suggestion from Adams. The if the 18-year-old is still in high school. An 18-year-old relative of Adams was accused of having sex with a 13-year-old, facing years in prison and mandatory sex offender registry. After the law was changed, though it was not retroactive, the relative took a plea deal where they would plead guilty to lesser charges, face no additional jail time, and not be required to register as a sex offender. Utah democrats call for Adams to resign Blouin called for Adams to 'do the right thing and resign,' adding that 'the rule of law should not be subject to change simply because of who you know.' He described Adams' conduct as 'unbecoming of this body.' We are meant to serve the public, not give special treatment to our relatives. All of our constituents deserve equal treatment under the law and the Utahns I represent are demanding accountability. This body should be fighting against abuses of power, not enabling them. To Speaker Schultz and Governor Cox, do you condone this abuse of power?' Sen. Nate Blouin (D-13) Blouin told that this was a concerning issue, and that he is tired of politicians using their power to benefit themselves, their family members, and other people who are close to them. He added that his decision to speak out was driven by his constituents on both sides of the political spectrum, who have been calling for accountability. 'The issue itself is a critical one,' Blouin said, adding that protecting children is hugely important, but so is accountability. He said that he is trying to help restore some faith that there are people in the government working for their constituents and not just the people who have money to pay for access to them. 'We see so frequently the supermajority here in Utah, we have a republican dynamic of 23 to six in the senate, they're able to make decisions behind closed doors without a whole lot of feedback, and I think this feeds right into that,' Blouin said. He stated that he did not know about what lead to this law, and transparency would have been much more helpful when they were voting on the issue. Blouin called for some sort of action, whether that be an investigation into Adams' conduct, Adams' resignation, or ethics proceedings. Salt Lake County Councilmember Jiro Johnson also called for Adams to resign, stating that Adams abused his power to help a relative and that no one else in the system has the ability to make a drastic change to the law. There is no other way to interpret the law, or these facts, children cannot consent to have sex with an adult. This is not some difficult to understand legal principle, it is sound policy to strictly punish child sex abuse and child rape. As a public servant it is offensive that Senator Adams is attempting to justify the outcome of his relative's case by trying to confuse and misconstrue core principles under our law.' Salt Lake City Councilmember Jiro Johnson (D-1) Johnson went on to state, 'As elected officials we are required to hold ourselves up to a higher standard when we take office. Senator Adams conduct misses that high bar and should be forced to give up the authority he has as a public servant.' The joined in these calls to resign, writing, 'This is a perfect example of the kind of corruption that stems from unchecked supermajority control.' 'Politicians aren't focused on lowering the cost of housing, cleaning up the air, investing in our public schools, or making life better for everyday Utahns, because they're too busy pulling strings behind the scenes to benefit themselves and their families and friends,' King continued. Adams responds to reports and calls for his resignation Adams responded to the calls for him to resign, calling the reports 'false information and blatant lies.' Sen. Nate Blouin's recent attacks exemplify misleading political grandstanding fueled by misinformation and deliberate distortions. He has repeatedly contributed to spreading blatantly false information, relying on fabricated and sensationalized narratives that ignore both the facts and the intent of the legislation.' Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams He went on to state that the law is not retroactive and does not alter the legal age of consent. This is true, but it's also important to note that according to the Tribune, the defense attorney in the relative's case reportedly stated that while they all knew that the law would not apply in this case, the prosecution changed their offer based on the law change. Blouin addressed this critique from Adams. He said that although the law was not retroactive, it is part of a pattern of legislative overreach and attacks on the judiciary, and some people have been afraid to push back on the legislature. Adams also stated that the law does not apply to cases of rape, aggravated sexual assault, or those involving force, coercion or threats. 'Even the judge noted during sentencing that '…I had two young people both in school that engaged in what would've otherwise been consensual sexual activity but for the age of one of the participants,'' Adams wrote. A 13-year-old legally cannot consent under . Even if the 13-year-old agreed to the sexual activity with another adolescent (younger than 18), it is still unlawful sexual activity. He also stated that his relative pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony, which is a higher degree than the new law would allow. Under the new statute, the highest possible charge would be a third-degree felony. 'It's important to emphasize that harsher penalties remain in place for rape and forcible incidents,' Adams noted. He accused much of the media reporting on this story as spreading 'misinformation driven by political motives rather than facts,' that 'intentionally' distorted the law. Adams said that the law is 'rooted in fairness and justice, focusing on a narrow, forward-looking policy issue rather than any individual case.' 'Attempts to politicize this not only distract from its purpose and undermine constructive public discourse but are nothing more than politically motivated, blatant lies, plain and simple,' Adams concluded. Blouin told that he was not surprised by Adams' response. 'I think it's not surprising that he is frustrated to finally for once in his political career feel like someone is challenging some of the actions that he's taken,' Blouin said. Blouin asserted that based on his knowledge of the case and the proceedings, he has not said anything incorrect or misleading, but he challenged Adams to publicly tell his side of the story more clearly if that is the case. He expressed concerns of retribution, that committee appointments may be taken away because he spoke out against the supermajority. 'That's something I've felt as part of a pattern in my three plus years in the legislature now, so I'd expect to see more of the same.' Latest headlines: Heat Dome returns to Utah through Wednesday afternoon Obsessed with 'KPop Demon Hunters'? This Utah KPop store is hosting an event for you Surfs up at Utah Lake – Join Lakeside Boat Club for affordable, hassle-free boating TRAFFIC ALERT: Paint spill closes portion of I-80 near Wanship Intermountain Health opens Vineyard Clinic to serve growing Utah County community Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
L.A. Drug Linchpin Jasveen ‘Ketamine Queen' Sangha to Plead Guilty in Death of Matthew Perry
The Department of Justice said Monday that L.A.'s so-called 'ketamine queen,' Jasveen Sangha, who played a key role in the October 2023 death of Friends star Matthew Perry, will plead guilty to five federal criminal charges. The North Hollywood drug linchpin will plead guilty in the coming weeks to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury, according to an announcement from the Justice Department. Prosecutors have dropped the reminder of nine initial charges brought against Sangha at the time of her arrest and incarceration. More from The Hollywood Reporter Jennifer Aniston Says She Was "Mourning" Matthew Perry Before His Death Due to Addiction 'Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy' Sets Summer Airdate on ITV in the U.K. (Exclusive) Matthew Perry Doctor Salvador Plasencia Pleads Guilty to Selling Late 'Friends' Star Ketamine Sangha was arrested in August 2024 and has remained in a federal lockup as her legal case has played out with prosecutors. The 42-year-old — a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom who sold the dangerous, powerful dissociative drug, as well as cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs, out of her apartment — has been in federal custody since her arrest 10 months after the actor's death. Perry, who shot to fame at a young age as one of six main cast members of the global phenomenon sitcom, died Oct. 28, 2023, at his home in the Palisades. His body was discovered face-down in his backyard hot tub by his assistant, who was later charged in connection with his death. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office eventually determined he had died of the 'acute effects of ketamine.' After an extensive probe into what led to Perry's death, five individuals were charged in connection with Perry's death. This included Hollywood linchpin Sangha, Perry's personal assistant, two physicians and a lower-level drug dealer. One Sangha's legal agreement is official; all five of those charged will have agreed to take a deal to lessen charges. According to court records, Sangha — who lived a glamorous life in Hollywood, where she attended parties with famous actors and was in the orbit of rock stars, as could be seen on her Instagram — learned of Perry's struggles with drugs and sought him out as a client. After sending some samples, via a doctor and the actor's assistant, she sent two orders of 25 vials of ketamine to him; the ketamine in one of those vials is what led to the actor's untimely death. Sangha, according to court documents, also sold ketamine to another man, Cody McLaury, who reportedly died of an overdose shortly after it was purchased in August 2019; Sangha will admit to this as part of her plea deal, prosecutors said. Sangha's sentencing is expected to take place in the coming weeks. She faces up to 45 years in prison for her crimes. Best of The Hollywood Reporter MTV VMAs: 27 of the Awards Show's Wildest Moments of All Time From 'Party in the U.S.A.' to 'Born in the U.S.A.': 20 of America's Most Patriotic (and Un-Patriotic) Musical Offerings Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More
