Latest news with #LegalCommittee
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Cook Islands Questions Removal From Global Shipping Database
Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist The Cook Islands is seeking clarification on why it was removed from an international shipping database aimed at combating illicit shipping activities. Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) staff were told in May that it was removed from the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) due to a "potential violation of the Terms and Conditions that was agreed upon at the time of registration". "MCI reached out to the founding members of RISC on 8 May 2025 and again on 13 May and again on 21 May. MCI has not had a response from any of them," a statement from MCI said. "MCI is at a loss to understand what possible violation has been committed." The Cook Islands ejection from the information-sharing database was first reported by shipping media Lloyd's List on 20 May. However, the Cook Islans maintains that it does not allow any sanctioned vessels to remain on its register, and has not registered vessels that had been flagged by a RISC member. "There were no 'terms and conditions' discussed or agreed to at the time that MCI joined RISC." RISC was formed in 2019 by the world's three largest ship registries: Liberia, the Marshal Islands and Panama. The membership now includes Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Honduras, Vanuatu, Dominica, Belize, Moldova and Antigua and Barbuda. The database allows registries to share details about vessels and avoid clamp down on "flag hopping" - where a vessel jumps from one registry to another to avoid international sanctions. MCI's statement said the Cook Islands registry was among the first to join after the founding members in May 2020. "MCI supports the aims and objectives of RISC," the statement said. It said that in March, during the Cook Islands International Maritime Organisation Legal Committee, the country "highlighted the RISC compact as an industry best practice". The Cook Islands-registered ship, Eagle S, was seized on Christmas Day 2024 in the Baltic Sea by Finnish authorities, who believed the vessel severed the Estlink 2 submarine cable that carries electricity from Finland to Estonia. Eagle S is also thought to be linked to Russia's shadow fleet, which seeks to evade sanctions on the sale of Russian oil. Last month, both the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Cook Islands said that the ship has never been under sanctions.
Jordan News
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Senate Legal Committee Approves Amendments to Penal Code - Jordan News
The Legal Committee of the Jordanian Senate, chaired by Senator Ahmad Tbeishat, approved on Sunday the draft law amending the Penal Code for the year 2025, as received from the House of Representatives. اضافة اعلان The committee meeting was attended by Minister of Justice Dr. Bassam Talhouni, Minister of State for Legal Affairs Dr. Fayez Al-Qudah, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice Dr. Waleed Kanakrieh, Secretary General of the Judicial Council Dr. Ali Al-Masaimeh, and Attorney General Dr. Hassan Al-Abdallat. The main objectives of the proposed amendments are to broaden the application of alternatives to custodial sentences by granting the competent courts greater authority to implement such alternatives, thereby increasing the benefit for convicted individuals. It also aims to enable the sentencing judge to collect fines in accordance with the Public Funds Collection Law. Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen the approach of restorative justice by contributing to the rehabilitation and reintegration of convicts into society, and reducing recidivism rates. It introduces provisions for suspending the execution of sentences after they become final, and gives the sentencing judge the authority to postpone or allow installment payments of fines, thus helping to ease overcrowding in correctional and rehabilitation centers.
Libya Review
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Presidential Council's Laws Have No Legal Effect
The Legal Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives has declared recent decrees issued by Presidential Council head Mohamed Al-Mnifi as 'null and void,' claiming they hold no constitutional or legal weight. In a strongly worded statement, the committee accused al-Mnifi of sowing institutional chaos and deepening divisions. The committee's remarks followed a letter sent by al-Mnifi to the House of Representatives requesting the submission of all laws passed since March 2021 for ratification by the Presidential Council. Al-Mnifi argued that Speaker Ageela Saleh bypassed constitutional procedures by enacting laws unilaterally. In response, the committee dismissed al-Mnifi's claims as 'weak and irrelevant,' stressing that Libya remains in a transitional phase and that the Council has no authority—either collectively or through its president—to issue decrees or suspend legislation. The committee further announced it would refer the matter to the judiciary to assess whether al-Mnifi's actions constitute criminal violations or threats to national unity and sovereignty. The statement reiterated the House of Representatives' position that the mandates of the Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity have expired. It urged all domestic and international stakeholders to respect the agreed political roadmap and support efforts to unify the executive authority ahead of national elections. Criticising al-Mnifi for 'deviating from a consensual role,' the committee accused the Presidential Council of becoming a political actor, thereby undermining the UN-led political process and risking renewed deadlock and institutional paralysis. Citing the 2014 Constitutional Amendment No. 7 and the Skhirat and Geneva Agreements, the committee asserted that only the House of Representatives holds legislative authority during the transitional period. Tags: libyaLibyan parliamentMohamed Al-MnifiPresidential Council
CNBC
06-05-2025
- CNBC
Luigi Mangione's legal defense fund hits $1 million in donations
Luigi Mangione, accused killer of US insurance CEO Brian Thompson, sits in Manhattan Supreme Court as he attends a hearing in New York City on Feb. 21, 2025. The legal defense fund for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December, surpassed the $1 million mark in donations on Tuesday, organizers said. The fundraising effort, run through the online platform GiveSendGo, has topped $1.03 million in donations, which organizers say "represents a step forward in pursuing justice for Mr. Mangione" and donors showing "their grievances with our lethal for-profit healthcare system and the indefensible economic and political order that has imposed it upon us." "This milestone was reached because of the continued resonance of Mr. Mangione's story," Sam Beard, a spokesperson for the December 4 Legal Committee, said in a statement. Organizers said they hope the fundraiser, which has received over 28,000 individual contributions with a median contribution of $20, reaches the $1.5 million mark. The funds will cover expenses associated with all three pending criminal cases against Mangione in New York and Pennsylvania. Mangione, who turned 27 on Tuesday, is facing both state and federal charges in New York in connection with the Dec. 4 slaying of Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel. Thompson was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Group's investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown when he was shot from behind, authorities said. After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He faces state charges in Pennsylvania for allegedly carrying an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and providing false identification. If convicted of federal charges, Mangione could be sentenced to death. Thompson's slaying immediately launched an unseemly wave of support for his killer, days before Mangione was captured in Pennsylvania. Representatives of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York could not immediately comment on Tuesday.
Daily Tribune
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Shura Council Sends Education Bill Back for Revision Over Implementation Concerns
The Shura Council has voted to return a draft education bill for further review after members raised concerns about the potential consequences and vague language of the proposal. The bill seeks to amend Decree-Law No. 25 of 1998 to prioritise the employment of qualified Bahraini nationals in private schools and training institutes, in a bid to support graduates struggling to find public sector teaching roles. While the initiative aligns with Bahrain's Bahrainisation efforts, members questioned whether the proposed law, in its current form, could lead to confusion, be difficult to enforce, or produce unintended outcomes. Clear Intent Needed Lina Qassim, rapporteur for the committee reviewing the bill, said the proposal aimed to reinforce Bahrainisation by translating policy into enforceable law. 'The idea is to ensure that these efforts are applied consistently, not left vulnerable to changing interpretations,' she told the Council. However, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs H.E. Ghanim Al Buainain urged caution, saying the draft was 'too loose' and could be easily circumvented. He cited previous legislation in the health sector that included specific provisions for positions requiring rare skills — a level of detail lacking in the current bill. Merit vs Nationality Al Buainain also stressed that while giving Bahrainis a fair chance was important, hiring decisions should remain merit-based. 'If qualifications are equal, then preference can be given to Bahrainis — but merit must lead,' he said. Training and Support Needed Dr. Ahmed Al Arrayedh called for stronger training initiatives, recalling how Bahrainis were once sent abroad for education and returned to become successful educators. 'We must invest in building the capability to ensure long-term success,' he said. First Deputy Chairman Jamal Fakhro echoed the sentiment, stressing that no legislation can substitute for clear intent and strategic planning by institutions. 'You identify what the job needs, then train Bahrainis accordingly,' he said. Calls for Clarification and Penalties Legal Committee Chair Dalal Al Zayed pointed out the lack of enforcement mechanisms in the bill. 'There are no penalties for non-compliance, and private institutions haven't been consulted,' she said, also highlighting challenges faced by local graduates, including a lack of diplomas and poor English proficiency in some subjects. Dr. Jameela Al Salman, head of the Services Committee, argued that the draft reflects current legislative direction and provides room for future adjustments. She noted that employing Bahraini teachers not only supports the economy but also reinforces local culture in the classroom.
