Latest news with #Anti-CorruptionUnit
2 hours ago
- Politics
El Salvador human rights lawyer demands public trial as police haul her before judge
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — A lawyer from a prominent human rights organization who has been an outspoken critic of some of President Nayib Bukele's policies demanded a public trial as police brought her before a judge in El Salvador Wednesday. Prosecutors sought to charge her with illegal enrichment and jail her for six months pending trial. Observers say the case against Ruth Eleonora López is retaliation for her work while authorities allege she aided one of her former employers being prosecuted for embezzlement. Authorities arrested López at her home on May 18. The anticorruption lawyer, who works for the nongovernmental organization Cristosal, has denied the accusations. Wednesday's hearing was closed to the public as the case is under seal. As she was escorted by police through the court building Wednesday, a shackled López with a Bible between her hands, shouted: 'They're not going to silence me, I want a public trial,' according to a brief video posted by Cristosal on X. 'The people have to know.' Earlier, defense attorney Pedro Cruz, surrounded by reporters in the courthouse, said he disagreed with the decision to seal the case. He said prosecutors had done so 'because they fear they made an unfounded accusation.' She had not made her initial appearance before a judge until Monday, more than two weeks after her arrest. At that hearing, prosecutors announced the illegal enrichment, different from the original embezzlement, and requested that she be held while they continue to investigate. Cristosal has been an critic of some of Bukele's policies, including the state of emergency giving him special powers that has now been in place for more than three years. The measure restricts the right to gather, to be informed of rights and to have access to a lawyer. It extends to 15 days the time that someone can be held without charges. Some 86,000 people have been arrested under the state of emergency. López is the head of Cristosal's Anti-Corruption Unit, which has produced reports and filed legal actions related to government corruption. Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, said via X that she was closely following López's hearing. 'The state must guarantee her right to due process. She must be freed.' López's alleged wrongdoing dates to her time as an adviser to Eugenio Chicas, the former president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal during the administration of President Salvador Sánchez Cerén (2014-2019). 'Ruth has dedicated her life to the defense of human rights and the fight against corruption,' Cristosal said in a statement last week. 'Hers is not an isolated case: it is part of a pattern of criminalization against critical voices.'
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
El Salvador human rights lawyer demands public trial as police haul her before judge
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — A lawyer from a prominent human rights organization who has been an outspoken critic of some of President Nayib Bukele's policies demanded a public trial as police brought her before a judge in El Salvador Wednesday. Prosecutors sought to charge her with illegal enrichment and jail her for six months pending trial. Observers say the case against Ruth Eleonora López is retaliation for her work while authorities allege she aided one of her former employers being prosecuted for embezzlement. Authorities arrested López at her home on May 18. The anticorruption lawyer, who works for the nongovernmental organization Cristosal, has denied the accusations. Wednesday's hearing was closed to the public as the case is under seal. As she was escorted by police through the court building Wednesday, a shackled López with a Bible between her hands, shouted: 'They're not going to silence me, I want a public trial,' according to a brief video posted by Cristosal on X. 'The people have to know.' Earlier, defense attorney Pedro Cruz, surrounded by reporters in the courthouse, said he disagreed with the decision to seal the case. He said prosecutors had done so 'because they fear they made an unfounded accusation.' She had not made her initial appearance before a judge until Monday, more than two weeks after her arrest. At that hearing, prosecutors announced the illegal enrichment, different from the original embezzlement, and requested that she be held while they continue to investigate. Cristosal has been an critic of some of Bukele's policies, including the state of emergency giving him special powers that has now been in place for more than three years. The measure restricts the right to gather, to be informed of rights and to have access to a lawyer. It extends to 15 days the time that someone can be held without charges. Some 86,000 people have been arrested under the state of emergency. López is the head of Cristosal's Anti-Corruption Unit, which has produced reports and filed legal actions related to government corruption. Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, said via X that she was closely following López's hearing. 'The state must guarantee her right to due process. She must be freed.' López's alleged wrongdoing dates to her time as an adviser to Eugenio Chicas, the former president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal during the administration of President Salvador Sánchez Cerén (2014-2019). 'Ruth has dedicated her life to the defense of human rights and the fight against corruption,' Cristosal said in a statement last week. 'Hers is not an isolated case: it is part of a pattern of criminalization against critical voices.'
IOL News
12-05-2025
- IOL News
Conviction of former Eastern Cape top cop a warning to would-be thieves
Former Port Alfred station commander Colonel Ncamisa Donkrag pleaded guilty to defrauding the SAPS on two separate occasions. Image: File/Archive THE conviction and sentencing of former Port Alfred station commander Colonel Ncamisa Donkrag on fraud-related charges will serve as a deterrent to those who may be tempted to commit similar offences, says Sarah Baartman District acting Commissioner, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo. Donkrag was sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of theft or fraud committed during the period of suspension. She was also ordered to compensate the South African Police Service a total of R12 767.80. She had pleaded guilty to defrauding the SAPS on two separate occasions. In the first incident, she pretended that she travelled using her private vehicle in May 2022 from Port Alfred to Port Edward, eMaxesibeni (Mount Ayliff), Mzamba, the Wild Coast and back to Port Alfred, and was reimbursed for the trip an amount of R8062.58. On the second occasion, she pretended that in September 2022, she travelled from Port Alfred to respectively Zweltsha, Addo and back to Port Alfred. She was again reimbursed for the trip an amount of R 4705.25. The court on Friday combined the two counts for the purpose of sentence. Reacting to the court outcome, Naidoo said: "Such an outcome reflects that no matter what position one holds in the SAPS, nobody is above the law. SAPS is expecting all its employees to always serve with diligence, and honour. "The investigative work by the Anti-Corruption Unit is commendable, and we urge members to continue with their work to fight against crimes such as fraud and corruption." The outcome came at a time the SAPS was tightening their efforts against rogue elements within their ranks. An instructor at the SAPS Training Academy in Tshwane was recently arrested over the rape of a trainee on May 6. The police ministry says the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has ensured that the victim has the necessary medical care and ongoing emotional and psychological support services. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the alleged rape undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day. 'This alleged act is not only criminal in nature, but it is a disgraceful abuse of authority and a gross violation of the trust placed in those who are meant to shape and guide the next generation of police officers. To prey on a young recruit who has chosen to serve our nation through the SAPS is both reprehensible and inexcusable. This incident stands in stark contrast to the values and ethics we expect of our officers. It undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been tasked with the matter and we urge them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served. We call for swift internal processes to be followed. The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message - no one is above the law.' Cape Times
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Line of Duty season 7 'going ahead' as filming date 'confirmed' in latest update
It seems that a seventh season of hit BBC series Line of Duty has all but been confirmed with filming set to begin early in 2026, according to reports. The BBC series, which first aired in 2012, came to an end with series six back in May 2021 with the mysterious "H" finally being unmasked. The identity of H in Line of Duty was revealed in the series six finale as Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle. Line of Duty starred Adrian Dunbar (Anti-Corruption Unit Superintendent Ted Hastings), Vicky McClure (DI Kate Fleming) and Martin Compston (DI Steve Arnott). While the likes of Keely Hawes, Kelly Macdonald, Stephen Graham, Craig Parkinson and Lennie James also featured at various points throughout the six seasons. There have been reports of a seventh series of Line of Duty since late last year, with Dunbar, McClure and Compston allegedly meeting with creator Jed Mercurio. Line of Duty starred Martin Compston, Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure and also featured the likes of Stephen Graham, Keeley Hawes and Kelly Macdonald. (Image: BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill/Geraint Williams) At the time, The Sun reported one of the topics of conversation was "how they could align their schedules" to ensure another season of the hit BBC show was possible. It now appears Dunbar, McClure and Compston have managed to align their schedules, with filming for season seven of Line of Duty set to begin in January 2026, according to The Sun. BREAKING 🚨 #LineOfDuty Series 7 is officially going ahead with the cast all signing on and filming commencing in January 2026. — sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) April 4, 2025 A TV insider, speaking to the news outlet, said: 'This is the news Line of Duty fans have been waiting for since the sixth season left them deflated when it aired back in 2021. 'The BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, but the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects. 'But after several meetings with Jed [Mercurio, creator and writer] and the production team, they've finally managed to clear space in their calendars next year to commit to making the show.' RECOMMENDED READING: Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar breaks silence about BBC show's rumoured return 'We're all up for it' - Line of Duty star issues update on show's return on GMB Shocked Line of Duty fans 'excited' as 3 stars reunite - is series 7 on the way? The new Line of Duty series is also reported to include six episodes. The BBC has been contacted for comment. All episodes of Line of Duty (seasons one to six) are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
