Latest news with #Tunisian-born
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The long wait for answers over the Lockerbie bombing grows longer
Major television productions are bringing the story of the Lockerbie bombing to a new global audience, but the real life drama of the trial of a new Libyan suspect has been delayed once more. Abu Agila Mohammed Mas'ud Kheir al-Marimi, known as Masud, had been due to face a Washington jury last month, accused of making the bomb that destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 and killed 270 people. The 12 May starting date was abandoned because of problems with his health and the complexity of the case, and the trial is now scheduled to start in April, 2026.. The date was set at the District of Columbia District Court, where Masud listened with the help of a translator and was expressionless throughout. After the hearing, relatives of American victims of the bombing told BBC News of their disappointment that the trial is now scheduled to start 50 weeks later than originally planned. Kara Weipz is the president of the US group Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 and lost her 20-year-old brother Richard Monetti on the plane. "I'm just going to pray that it stays at 20 April," she said. "I was 15 when this happened, and I'm 52 now and among the relatives I'm considered young. "A lot of our family members are in their seventies and eighties and unfortunately, we lose them weekly or monthly now. "The travesty in all of this that they're not seeing the justice that they've worked 37 years to see. "That's what concerns us the most, that this trial will come around and we'll have lost more family members." Victoria Cummock's husband John was coming home from a business trip to Europe a day earlier than planned, to surprise his family. The founder of the Pan Am 103 Lockerbie Legacy Foundation, Mrs Cummock said: "We've lived through 36 years of delays and postponements simply because this is an international case filled with politics. "Thirty six years with seven different administrations in America have really collided with the families' search for accountability and justice. "It's no surprise that our mission to hold them to account is being delayed." Mrs Cummock added she was concerned that President Trump's ban on Libyan citizens travelling to the US could affect the trial. She said: "It just seems like it's a very slow journey to getting this case started." Masud has been in US custody since December 2022 and has pled not guilty to the charges. The Tunisian-born Libyan is in his seventies and is understood to have diabetes and heart problems. His family in Libya has already expressed concerns over the delays to the case, saying he's an innocent man. The new trial date was fixed after a joint motion submitted by the prosecution and the defence, both of whom raised the international nature of the evidence and witnesses. A series of crucial legal arguments will have to be resolved before the trial can go ahead, with the judge Dabney Friedrich describing the 20 April date as "tentative." Those will include the admissibility of a confession Masud is alleged to have made while in custody in 2012, following the collapse of Colonel Gaddafi's regime. Another complication is the fact that new information on the case is still emerging, almost four decades after the attack. A book published in France revealed the existence of documents said to have been retrieved from the archives of the Libyan intelligence service, of which Masud is alleged to have been a member. If proved genuine, those documents detail his involvement in preparations for the attack on Pan Am 103. It's more than 24 years since the first Lockerbie trial, when three Scottish judges convicted Libyan intelligence agent Abdulbasset al-Megrahi of playing a key role in the plot. Megrahi was jailed for life but released on compassionate grounds by the Scottish government in 2009 after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died three years later at home in Tripoli. His release infuriated many of the American relatives, which is why they have set so much store on the trial of Masud, the first suspect to face an American court over Lockerbie. They believe it will deliver the justice they were denied by the Scottish legal system. The bombing remains the worst terror attack in British history and claimed the lives of 43 UK citizens. Some, but not all, of the British relatives have never accepted the verdict against Megrahi, including the Rev John Mosey, whose daughter Helga was on the plane. "I think they're just waiting for people like me to pop our clogs and get out of the way," he said. "I'm still pretty cynical about the whole thing. I would like to be proved wrong but I can't see it happening. "As far as I'm concerned, who made the bomb and who put in on the plane are secondary as to who were the main criminals. "They were the group of people who had all the warnings that this was going to happen and warned their own people but didn't warn the public." The big budget television dramas may have pushed the Lockerbie bombing back into the public eye but it's clear that there's a very long way to go before a jury delivers its verdict on Masud. Judge Friedrich warned that if things are not done in a timely manner, there's a risk the trial could "slip" into 2027. As she reminded everyone in the court: "This isn't a normal criminal case." Lockerbie bombing trial delayed until next year New documents blame Libya for Lockerbie bombing 'My brother died in Lockerbie - our story changed how air disasters are handled'
The South African
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs fans knew it would be a tough season, claims coach Nasreddine Nabi
After completing his first season as head coach of Kaizer Chiefs by winning the Nedbank Cup, yet missing out on a top eight league finish, Nasreddine Nabi reflected on his debut campaign in the Betway Premiership following Amakhosi's goalless draw against Polokwane City on the final day of the season. 'We knew that this season was going to be tough given the process we are engaged with as a club. 'But after going everything this season, now there is a clear path to know what we need to do and what decisions we need to take in order to improve next season,' he told the assembled media post-match. 'That said, not finishing in the top eight is a disappointment, although it doesn't undermine the effort the players have put in and what we have achieved, which is to win the Nedbank Cup. Not every team can say they have won a trophy this season. 'Our fans should take pride in that and enjoy it.' The Tunisian-born coach understands the frustration of the fans in trying to make sense of the team's inconsistent performances, but assures them it is part of a greater plan that he has devised to restore the club to the pinnacle of the domestic and continental game. He explained, 'I want to remain honest, as I have been since the beginning, so I say that we came here to rebuild the team and at the start of that process one can't expect results to flow immediately. 'All of our decisions are governed by the process. Whether we win or lose, at this stage it is about assessing where we are in the process of converting this team into a successful one.' When he was questioned as to why teams with inferior individual players to those at his disposal finished higher in the league, Nabi responded passionately. 'When you analyse how these teams play, they sit deep and play on the counter attack. 'Do you want Kaizer Chiefs to play like that?,' he asked rhetorically. 'We want to play positive football. A big club like Kaizer Chiefs must play dominant football, offensive. That is the philosophy of Kaizer Chiefs.' Regarding next season, Nabi confirmed that plans are in motion for the next campaign, although declined to divulge any specific details, ending off with, 'We had a conversation with the chairman and management yesterday and we have a clear idea of what needs to be done. 'In terms of players, I won't say how many or which players we need but the recruitment department is working very hard. 'Some contact with targets has started already and we are sure the team will be strengthened for next season.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Chicago Field Museum "Africa Fashion" exhibit teems with colors, textiles and history of over 20 countries
The color, vibrancy and texture of Africa is on display at the Chicago Field Museum in the exhibit "Africa Fashion." "We're so glad to have it because it's something different than we normally feature at the Field Museum," said Angelica London, exhibition project manager. "There are about 120 pieces here," she added. "There are 20-plus African countries represented." There are a multitude of sections and styles in the exhibit spanning the history of the continent's garments. The first stop is a look at traditional African garb, then moving toward the present. "As you walk through the show, you start at the period of liberation, mid-century to current time," London explained. "A lot of African countries were getting their independence. You see just a burst of creativity." Traditional elements are reflected in these new garments. "A lot of brocade, beaded detail, and the head wraps definitely add to the garments," London said. The "mixologist" section transports visitors to a world of amazing texture. "We've got sequins, tassels, it really shows you African fashion is diverse and has a lot of different patterns," said London. And those different patterns have a message. "Africa is a vibrant, electric continent. Not a country, a continent. Each piece of that continent has different aspects," London said. But color is a common thread. "It's so colorful as you walk through this space," she said. "Color and vibrancy is just ingrained in African culture." So is symbolism. "One of the showstopping pieces is the head-to-toe cowrie shell piece that really showcases femininity, and beauty, and shells on the continent," London said. "Shells were used as currency but also as a sign of spirituality." Each piece in the exhibit has its own personality and its own story to tell. "Fashion is definitely a medium for storytelling," said London. "One of the garments we have is a Kofi Ansah garment that was designed for a Ghanian engagement ceremony. When you look at that garment, you're also looking into a historical event, and that's exciting." And perhaps most recognizably for some visitors, the dress and jacket created by famed Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaia worn by Michelle Obama at the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize presentation is on display. There are also accessories in the exhibit, like a collection of gilded and jewel-toned intricate purses and dazzling jewelry. And the experience isn't just visual; music is used to enhance as well. "Fashion and music intersect in many ways," said London. "We've got footage of different fashion shows. We also have music videos of current afrobeat performers. You're seeing how this music and the movement of the garment tie together." "Africa Fashion" also celebrates the diversity found within African culture. "The mannequins represent different skin tones of Black women and men, and you see hairstyles that are relevant to the culture," London said. There's also a photography section. London said she every time she walks into the space she sees something new, and that's ultimately the message she hopes visitors take home. "I want people to leave knowing African fashion is alive and thriving, that it influences so much of American culture and global culture as well," London said. "Africa Fashion" is a traveling exhibit on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It will be at the Field Museum through June 29. Click here for more information and to plan your visit. Do you know someone a person or place that brings you joy? We want to share your story. Send us your "Eye on Chicago" ideas using the form below (or clicking here):
Zawya
19-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CBH celebrates the success of UGFS North Africa in the first closing of the 'New Era' fund
Canada Business Holdings Inc. (CBH) is pleased to celebrate the UGFS North Africa (Tunisia), successful first closing of the 'New Era' Fund, an investment vehicle dedicated to fueling innovation-driven growth in Tunisia and the broader North Africa region. CBH considers this important milestone a marking of a new chapter of strategic investment in sectors shaping the future: Artificial Intelligence (AI), BioTech, and GreenTech. The fund specifically targets Tunisian-born startups in the Product-Market-Fit and Mid-Growth phases, offering them access to smart capital and value-added global support. CBH is delighted also to acknowledge the commitment of the World Bank to invest USD 5 million through the Anava Fund of Funds into the New Era Fund. The New Era fund is structured to deliver strong returns. Forecasted results include a 23% yield, a 20% gross IRR, and net IRR multiples of 2.3x, making it a highly attractive opportunity for institutional and impact investors. CBH Inc is committed to continue working together with UGFS North Africa and our global partners to building bridges between capital and innovation in emerging markets. The celebration event, held in Tunis, brought together fund partners, industry leaders, and international institutions—underscoring the collective commitment to accelerating sustainable and inclusive economic growth through technology and entrepreneurship. About CBH Canada Business Holdings Inc. is a global investment and project development company, specializing in transformative public-private partnerships and venture financing across key industries. CBH's mission is to catalyze high-impact investments that drive economic progress and long-term value creation. About UGFS North Africa United Gulf Financial Services North Africa is a leading private equity and asset management firm based in Tunisia, with a strong regional footprint across North Africa. The firm operates with a mission to support innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth, offering tailored financial solutions and active portfolio management. With deep market insight and an extensive network of partners, UGFS North Africa plays a pivotal role in channeling both local and international capital into impactful ventures across the region. Media Contact: PR@ Ottawa, CANADA
