Latest news with #PublicProsecutor
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
MP George Bouchikian denies fleeing Lebanon ahead of immunity lift request
Lebanese MP George Bouchikian on Monday denied media reports suggesting he left the country to avoid legal prosecution, saying his recent departure was a long-planned personal trip and that no legal action had been initiated against him at the time. In a statement issued from abroad, Bouchikian said he left Lebanon on July 7 for a family trip that had been arranged months in advance. 'At the time of my departure, no decision had been issued to pursue legal action against me, nor was there any formal request to lift my parliamentary immunity,' he said. 'The General Security's travel records clearly confirm my departure date and the purpose behind it.' The request to lift Bouchikian's immunity, submitted by Lebanon's public prosecutor, was dated July 9—two days after he had already left the country. 'This completely discredits claims that I left to evade accountability,' he added. Bouchikian reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with judicial authorities. 'I am fully prepared to respond to any competent legal body, in the appropriate place and time, in full respect of the constitutional process and transparency,' he said. The MP also noted that his legal team took immediate action upon being notified of the request to lift his immunity. Formal submissions were filed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Parliament Bureau, and the Administration and Justice Committee. 'A detailed legal memorandum was also submitted, laying out factual, legal, and constitutional arguments in response to the request,' he said, adding that the document is now in the hands of lawmakers ahead of the parliamentary session scheduled for July 23. Bouchikian expressed confidence in Parliament's ability to handle the case fairly. 'I trust that MPs will address this matter objectively and without influence from media pressure or populist narratives,' he said. 'No one is above accountability, and no one should be denied legal protection,' he concluded. 'Justice cannot be achieved through double standards.'
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Paris court to rule on Sulu claim annulment on Dec 9, says law minister
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The Paris Court of Appeal has reserved its decision to Dec 9 on Malaysia's application to annul the USD14.9 billion final award in the arbitration case filed by individuals claiming to be heirs of the long-defunct Sultanate of Sulu. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, in a statement, said the decision followed a hearing on July 7, during which the court concluded its hearing on the merits for the annulment of the final award in the case. Azalina said during the hearing that the claimants had attempted to postpone the proceedings to enable them to respond to the written opinion of the Public Prosecutor of France. However, the court dismissed the request and proceeded with the hearing. 'In this context, Malaysia places its confidence in the Paris Court of Appeal's process and decision in bringing a definitive end to the so-called Sulu Claimants' illegal global enforcement efforts, similar to the positions adopted by the Spanish and Dutch courts,' Azalina said. The government has also reiterated its stance on the need for transparency in third-party litigation funding mechanisms to prevent their misuse against sovereign nations. 'Malaysia at the same time continues to advance its efforts to promote a global framework that places transparency at the centre of third-party litigation funding, ensuring that a mechanism intended to promote access to justice is not misused as an instrument of lawfare against sovereign states. 'International arbitration must be protected from attempts to extort sovereign states under the guise of arbitration claims,' Azalina said. She emphasised that the Madani Government remained steadfast in defending Malaysia's sovereignty and the integrity of international arbitration. Previously, eight Filipino nationals claiming to be heirs of the now-defunct Sulu Sultanate filed arbitration proceedings in Spain to demand billions of US dollars from Malaysia over issues involving Sabah. In March 2019, a court in Madrid appointed Stampa as the arbitrator for the case. On Feb 28, 2022, Stampa ruled in favour of the group and issued a final award of USD14.9 billion through an unlawful arbitration process, despite his appointment having already been annulled by a Spanish court. Malaysia has since secured a series of legal victories in the case, including in November last year, when the French Supreme Court fully rejected the group's legal challenge. That historic win for Malaysia meant the original basis for the final award, which required Malaysia to pay USD14.9 billion in compensation, was not recognised under French law. — Bernama
Fox News
7 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal faces backlash for allegedly hiring entertainers with dwarfism for birthday party
Officials in Spain demanded an investigation into Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after it was alleged the 18-year-old soccer player hired entertainers with dwarfism for his birthday party over the weekend. Spain's Ministry for Social Rights asked officials, including the Public Prosecutor's Office, to investigate the allegations and whether disability laws were violated at Sunday's party. ESPN reported that guests were not allowed to film during the celebrations, but videos on social media appeared to show people with dwarfism arriving at the event outside of Barcelona. The photos prompted one group to issue a statement threatening legal action. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) said in a statement it condemned Yamal. "The association announces that it will take legal and social actions to safeguard the dignity of people with disabilities, considering that these events violate not only current legislation, but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that claims to be egalitarian and respectful," ADEE said in the statement, according to a translation. "During the birthday of the young soccer player, a relevant figure in Spanish sports, people with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and protest activities. For ADEE, this type of practice is intolerable because it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination and undermines the image and rights of those with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities." The BBC reported Tuesday that the ADEE had filed a complaint with the Ministry. Fox News Digital has reached out to the soccer club for comment. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
News24
7 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Angola protests turn violent as police crack down on fuel hike demos
Julio Pacheco Ntela/AFP Anti-government protests in the Angolan capital Luanda on 12 July were met with a harsh crackdown, resulting in injuries and arrests. 'We recorded several injuries, some serious and requiring medical attention,' Adilson Manuel, an activist and one of the organisers, told DW. 'In addition to the injured, there were also arrests. One protester remains in police custody without a clear reason. He is currently held at the Nova Vida police station and will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office for questioning.' The protests began peacefully in Sao Paulo Square, a neighbourhood in Luanda. Hundreds of citizens - activists, civil society members, taxi drivers, vendors, students and opposition party members - joined a march organised by a social movement against a government decree that raised fuel prices. READ | US envoy plays down AGOA, African visa concerns Chants filled the air, including the national anthem and improvised songs such as 'First Angolan, second Angolan, always Angolan'. Protesters criticised the ruling MPLA party, carrying signs with slogans like 'MPLA drank all the oil', 'We're tired of eating from the trash', and 'The country is good, but the MPLA is no good'. The MPLA, or People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola party, has governed Angola continuously since its independence 50 years ago. Rising prices push Angolans to the limit Taxi fares increased to 300 kwanzas per trip ($0.33), and urban bus fares rose to 200 kwanzas on 7 July. This followed a fuel price increase from 300 to 400 kwanzas per litre three days earlier in the country that is one of Africa's largest oil producers. However, rising fuel prices are not the only critical issue for many Angolans. Just weeks ago, students mobilised to protest government policies. Schools lack basic necessities such as chairs, desks and toilets. A new youth movement called the 'Movimento dos Estudantes Angolanos' (MEA) organised protests and strikes, accusing President Joao Lourenco's government of ignoring youth concerns. Instead of addressing their needs, the government recently raised university tuition fees. The young protesters warned: 'Either the government changes the situation, or it will be overthrown.' Broader discontent with ruling party Also, during the latest protests over fuel prices, many voiced frustrations against Lourenco and the ruling MPLA party. Protesters marching to Largo da Maianga, near the National Assembly, were blocked by police at Primeiro de Maio and Largo da Independencia squares. 'Please help us. We are hungry, the whole country is hungry, but our president is not paying attention to this situation,' Agostinho Kipanda, one of the protesters, told a DW reporter. Despite police repression, organisers have announced plans for further protests. Activist Laura Macedo is calling on citizens to stay home as a form of peaceful resistance. 'Please, let's make an effort. Nobody leaves the house. Let's show our discontent while we prepare the next march for Saturday,' Macedo said. In recent years, fuel prices have been repeatedly increased - also under pressure from the International Monetary Fund - sparking frequent protests. The protest leaders have vowed to continue until the government reverses its decision to increase fuel prices. The government claims that the opposition is manipulating the various protest movements. Angola's next elections are scheduled for 2027, and President Lourenco is not eligible to seek a third term.
LBCI
04-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
No justice yet: Beirut Port explosion indictment unlikely before fifth anniversary
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi An indictment appears to be increasingly unlikely in the Beirut Port explosion case ahead of the tragedy's fifth anniversary on August 4. Judicial investigator Judge Tarek Bitar resumed proceedings in the high-profile case in January 2025, filing charges against ten military and civilian officials and scheduling interrogation sessions beginning in February. However, several key steps remain before Judge Bitar can issue the long-awaited indictment, making it improbable that the process will conclude before the anniversary. One of the most significant procedural steps ahead is the interrogation of MP Ghazi Zaiter, as well as former Public Prosecutor Judge Ghassan Oweidat. Additionally, Bitar is expected to question witnesses and await responses to international judicial requests that have already been submitted. The Public Prosecution must also present its final opinion on the investigation before Bitar can proceed with issuing formal charges. These combined steps are unlikely to be completed before August 4. As part of ongoing procedures, Judge Bitar on Friday rejected preliminary objections submitted by Zaiter's legal team after reviewing the Public Prosecution's position on those motions. The judge has now scheduled Zaiter's interrogation for July 18. In parallel, Bitar will send an official notification to Parliament through the Justice Ministry, informing lawmakers of the upcoming interrogation, given that Parliament is currently in an extraordinary session. As for the questioning of former Public Prosecutor Ghassan Oweidat, sources have not confirmed whether a date has been set for his hearing.
