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Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Senior Kinahan Cartel member Sean McGovern charged in Dublin court with murdering grandfather Noel Kirwan
The 39-year-old has this evening also been charged with directing a criminal organisation involved in the conspiracy to murder a rival gangster after being extradited from Dubai. The alleged offences were carried out as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud which claimed up to 18 lives both in Ireland and abroad. McGovern, formerly of Kildare Road in Crumlin, is the most senior member of the Kinahan crime group to be charged before the Irish courts. A significant security operation was in place at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street with more than 40 gardaí, including senior investigators and armed detectives, present for the hearing. The father-of-two was arrested earlier today after stepping off a military plane at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell, west Dublin, that had brought him under garda escort from the United Arab Emirates. Detective Sergeant Donal Daly gave evidence of arresting the accused for the purposes of charging him and explained that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) certified that he should be charged before the non-jury court. The defence counsel said at the outset of the hearing that they were reserving their position in relation to the lawfulness of his arrest and the jurisdiction of the court. Sean McGovern is accused of the feud murder of Noel Kirwan (62) at St Ronan's Drive in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on December 22, 2016. The grandfather, known as 'Duck Egg', was shot dead as he sat in his car with his partner in the driveway of her home. Mr Kirwan was not involved in the feud but was targeted after being spotted beside Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch at a funeral. McGovern is further accused of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in relation to Mr Kirwan's murder from October 20 to December 22, 2016. He is also charged with enhancing the abilities of a crime gang to carry out that murder between the same dates within the state. The court heard that Sean McGovern also faces two additional charges relating to a plot to murder James 'Mago' Gately, an associate of the Hutch gang, more than eight years ago. He is charged with both directing a crime gang to carry out surveillance of Gately, and facilitating a criminal organisation relating to the conspiracy to murder Gately between October 17, 2015, and April 6, 2017. The maximum penalty on conviction for directing a crime gang is life imprisonment, while McGovern faces the mandatory life sentence if found guilty of Mr Kirwan's murder. The accused appeared with a shaved head, wearing a grey T-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, socks and sandals. He only addressed the court to say 'yes' when asked if he was Sean McGovern. No application for bail was made as this can only be sought before the High Court on charges of murder or organised crime offences. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, remanded McGovern in custody and he is due to appear before the court again on June 5. A garda spokesperson earlier today said McGovern had "been the subject of an Interpol Red Notice'. "An Garda Síochána has developed major international partnerships in our efforts to target transnational organised crime groups. "Our relationship with authorities across the world including with the Ministry of Justice at judicial level in the United Arab Emirates, and on a police-to-police basis, is valued and one which we will continue to develop. This relationship has been supported by Irish governmental and diplomatic efforts'.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Senior Kinahan Cartel member Sean McGovern charged with murdering grandfather Noel Kirwan in Dublin court
The 39-year-old has this evening also been charged with directing a criminal organisation involved in the conspiracy to murder a rival gangster after being extradited from Dubai. The alleged offences were carried out as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud which claimed up to 18 lives both in Ireland and abroad. McGovern, formerly of Kildare Road in Crumlin, is the most senior member of the Kinahan crime group to be charged before the Irish courts. A significant security operation was in place at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street with more than 40 gardaí, including senior investigators and armed detectives, present for the hearing. The father-of-two was arrested earlier today after stepping off a military plane at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell, west Dublin, that had brought him under garda escort from the United Arab Emirates. Detective Sergeant Donal Daly gave evidence of arresting the accused for the purposes of charging him and explained that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) certified that he should be charged before the non-jury court. The defence counsel said at the outset of the hearing that they were reserving their position in relation to the lawfulness of his arrest and the jurisdiction of the court. Sean McGovern is accused of the feud murder of Noel Kirwan (62) at St Ronan's Drive in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on December 22, 2016. The grandfather, known as 'Duck Egg', was shot dead as he sat in his car with his partner in the driveway of her home. Mr Kirwan was not involved in the feud but was targeted after being spotted beside Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch at a funeral. McGovern is further accused of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in relation to Mr Kirwan's murder from October 20 to December 22, 2016. He is also charged with enhancing the abilities of a crime gang to carry out that murder between the same dates within the state. The court heard that Sean McGovern also faces two additional charges relating to a plot to murder James 'Mago' Gately, an associate of the Hutch gang, more than eight years ago. He is charged with both directing a crime gang to carry out surveillance of Gately, and facilitating a criminal organisation relating to the conspiracy to murder Gately between October 17, 2015, and April 6, 2017. The maximum penalty on conviction for directing a crime gang is life imprisonment, while McGovern faces the mandatory life sentence if found guilty of Mr Kirwan's murder. The accused appeared with a shaved head, wearing a grey T-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, socks and sandals. He only addressed the court to say 'yes' when asked if he was Sean McGovern. No application for bail was made as this can only be sought before the High Court on charges of murder or organised crime offences. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, remanded McGovern in custody and he is due to appear before the court again on June 5. A garda spokesperson earlier today said McGovern had "been the subject of an Interpol Red Notice'. "An Garda Síochána has developed major international partnerships in our efforts to target transnational organised crime groups. "Our relationship with authorities across the world including with the Ministry of Justice at judicial level in the United Arab Emirates, and on a police-to-police basis, is valued and one which we will continue to develop. This relationship has been supported by Irish governmental and diplomatic efforts'.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Senior Kinahan Cartel member Sean McGovern charged with murdering Dublin grandfather Noel Kirwan in Dublin court
The 39-year-old has this evening also been charged with directing a criminal organisation involved in the conspiracy to murder a rival gangster after being extradited from Dubai. The alleged offences were carried out as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud which claimed up to 18 lives both in Ireland and abroad. McGovern, formerly of Kildare Road in Crumlin, is the most senior member of the Kinahan crime group to be charged before the Irish courts. A significant security operation was in place at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street with more than 40 gardaí, including senior investigators and armed detectives, present for the hearing. The father-of-two was arrested earlier today after stepping off a military plane at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell, west Dublin, that had brought him under garda escort from the United Arab Emirates. Detective Sergeant Donal Daly gave evidence of arresting the accused for the purposes of charging him and explained that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) certified that he should be charged before the non-jury court. The defence counsel said at the outset of the hearing that they were reserving their position in relation to the lawfulness of his arrest and the jurisdiction of the court. Sean McGovern is accused of the feud murder of Noel Kirwan (62) at St Ronan's Drive in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on December 22, 2016. The grandfather, known as 'Duck Egg', was shot dead as he sat in his car with his partner in the driveway of her home. Mr Kirwan was not involved in the feud but was targeted after being spotted beside Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch at a funeral. McGovern is further accused of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in relation to Mr Kirwan's murder from October 20 to December 22, 2016. He is also charged with enhancing the abilities of a crime gang to carry out that murder between the same dates within the state. The court heard that Sean McGovern also faces two additional charges relating to a plot to murder James 'Mago' Gately, an associate of the Hutch gang, more than eight years ago. He is charged with both directing a crime gang to carry out surveillance of Gately, and facilitating a criminal organisation relating to the conspiracy to murder Gately between October 17 2015, and April 6, 2017. The maximum penalty on conviction for directing a crime gang is life imprisonment, while McGovern faces the mandatory life sentence if found guilty of Mr Kirwan's murder. The accused appeared with a shaved head, wearing a grey t-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, socks and sandals. He only addressed the court to say 'yes' when asked if he was Sean McGovern. No application for bail was made as this can only be sought before the High Court on charges of murder or organised crime offences. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, remanded McGovern in custody and he is due to appear before the court again on June 5. A garda spokesperson earlier today said McGovern had "been the subject of an Interpol Red Notice'. "An Garda Síochána has developed major international partnerships in our efforts to target transnational organised crime groups. "Our relationship with authorities across the world including with the Ministry of Justice at judicial level in the United Arab Emirates, and on a police-to-police basis, is valued and one which we will continue to develop. This relationship has been supported by Irish governmental and diplomatic efforts'.
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CJP visits Bannu Bench of PHC
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi emphasised that the independence and safety of judges, particularly of the district judiciary is essential for the fair and effective delivery of justice. CJP Yahya Afridi, on Friday, visited the Bannu Bench of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to express his solidarity with the judges working in a challenging environment. During the visit, the Chief Justice met with the PHC Chief Justice SM Attique Shah, and held detailed discussions on institutional capacity building for both the judiciary and the legal fraternity. He also engaged with judges of the PHC, members of the District Judiciary including Karak, Bannu, Lakki and North Waziristan, and representatives of the legal community posted in Bannu. Key deliberations centered on the agenda of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), with particular emphasis on institutional synergy, judicial capacity enhancement, and legal education reforms. These priorities were reiterated and thoroughly discussed with members of the judiciary and the bar. Topics included the importance of addressing commercial litigation and the proposal for establishing a dedicated Commercial Litigation Corridor; the introduction of Double Docket Courts as an optional feature involving cooperation among parties, the bench, and the bar; the expansion of court-annexed mediation; and the revival of Model Criminal Courts to address delayed cases. The Chief Justice also emphasised the urgent need for judicial automation, referencing the upcoming symposium on automation and Artificial Intelligence in the justice sector. Additionally, it was underscored that funds should be prioritised for underdeveloped regions in accordance with prescribed guidelines. The importance of facilitating foreign training and exposure visits for judges serving in such areas was acknowledged, alongside the principle that the most competent judges be posted to underdeveloped regions. Lastly, the development of a Performance Excellence Index for judicial officers was discussed as a tool to promote merit, transparency, and accountability. A prominent topic of discussion was the proposal to integrate standardized training modules for apprentice lawyers. In this regard, Bar Councils across the country have been invited to submit a joint proposal to be considered for inclusion in the upcoming NJPMC meeting. This initiative represents a significant move towards harmonising legal education and practical training nationwide. As part of his broader agenda for CJS reforms, the Chief Justice also visited local correctional facilities. During his inspection of the jail, he reviewed prison conditions, visited the hospital and kitchen, inaugurated a new Drug Rehabilitation Centre, and interacted with inmates to understand their concerns. In a notable instance, when the jail authorities were asked to present the inmate with the oldest pending case from the condemned category before the Supreme Court, they took the Chief Justice to prisoner Bahadur Khan. The Chief Justice expressed regret over the prolonged delay in his case, which had remained pending since 2019. Despite clear policy guidelines stating that no case of a condemned prisoner should remain unresolved beyond 2024, he was informed that the matter had only recently been decided on April 23, 2025. Despite repeated efforts to encourage inmates to voice any concerns, no prisoner responded in the presence of jail authorities. The Chief Justice underscored the importance of ensuring transparency, humane treatment, and accountability within the prison system, in accordance with constitutional principles and international standards. He also directed the District Police Officer (DPO) to ensure the timely submission of challans and emphasised the role of the District and Sessions Judge in activating the Criminal Justice Coordination Committee for improved inter-agency collaboration. In addition, the Chief Justice conducted a thorough review of the security protocols for judicial officers and court premises. He emphasised the need for a secure and enabling environment in all courts in the country that allows the judiciary to discharge its constitutional duties with independence and integrity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
What Is Vote Harvesting? Officials Indicted in Texas AG Ken Paxton's Probe
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Six individuals in rural Frio County, Texas — including two Pearsall City Council members and a school board trustee — were indicted on felony charges stemming from a growing election fraud investigation led by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. The case, criticized by Latino civil rights advocates as politically motivated, adds weight to an inquiry that has drawn scrutiny for its aggressive tactics. Announced on May 1, the indictments include Frio County Judge Rochelle Camacho, Pearsall City Council members Ramiro Trevino and Racheal Garza, Pearsall ISD Trustee Adriann Ramirez, former Frio County Elections Administrator Carlos Segura, and resident Rosa Rodriguez. Paxton said, "The people of Texas deserve fair and honest elections, not backroom deals and political insiders rigging the system. Elected officials who think they can cheat to stay in power will be held accountable." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears at a pretrial hearing in his securities fraud case before state District Judge Andrea Beall, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Harris County Criminal Courts at Law in Houston. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears at a pretrial hearing in his securities fraud case before state District Judge Andrea Beall, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Harris County Criminal Courts at Law in Houston. Associated Press Most of the accused face third-degree felony charges for "vote harvesting," a Texas offense that involves collecting and submitting other people's absentee ballots, often for payment. Several defendants allegedly used Cash App for these transactions. Segura faces a separate charge of tampering with evidence. The investigation gained attention last year after state agents raided the homes of Latino campaign workers near San Antonio, including an 87-year-old woman. None of those individuals have been charged. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), whose members were affected by the raids, previously called for a federal investigation into the state's actions. "This is voter suppression 101," said Gabriel Rosales, LULAC's Texas director. "There's no vote harvesting going on. There's nobody creating these ballots. That's a lie." The indictments followed accusations by Mary Moore, Camacho's opponent in the March 2022 Democratic primary. According to affidavits, Moore claimed Camacho employed a woman who had been collecting ballots in Frio County for nearly 30 years, charging candidates between $1,500 and $2,500 for services including collecting ballots and transporting voters. Court documents indicate Camacho and Ramirez — identified as sisters — targeted elderly residents in a Pearsall subdivision in October 2022. The woman allegedly smuggled ballots under her shirt and switched vehicles to avoid detection. Investigators allege Segura shared information on ballot mailing and delivery schedules with her. Segura dismissed the charges, saying, "The only word I have right now is that it's ridiculous," adding that he was advised not to comment further. The other defendants did not respond to requests for comment. A federal appeals court upheld Texas's stricter voting laws last year, reinforcing penalties that critics argue suppress minority voter turnout. Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.
