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Volker Türk highlighted growing threats to the media in a message ahead of World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on 3 May. “When attacks on the media are normalised, freedom itself begins to…
An undated handout photo released by Britain’s Metropolitan Police in London yesterday, shows the custody photograph of Abdullah Sabah Albadri. (AFP) A man who last year tried to enter Israel’s London embassy armed with two knives and carrying a “martyrdom note” was yesterday convicted in a London court of preparing an act of terrorism.Abdullah Albadri, 34, a failed asylum seeker from Kuwait, attempted to breach the embassy’s perimeter in April 2025 because he wanted to send a message about “the killing of children”, prosecutors said at his trial this month.Albadri denied charges of preparing an act of terrorism and possession of two bladed articles, telling police he had the knives because he was homeless, but a jury found him guilty yesterday.The verdicts came two days after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London in what police described as a suspected terrorist incident, adding to heightened fears within Britain’s Jewish community.Last month, a pro-Iranian group claimed online that it targeted the embassy with drones carrying “dangerous substances”. Police later said they found no hazardous substances.Albadri was arrested by two armed officers as he tried to scale the fence outside the embassy in west London last April. Prosecutors said he later told police he wanted to send a message about stopping the war, a reference to the Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza.”The prosecution say that Mr Albadri’s intention was to use or threaten serious violence against the Israeli government, to exact revenge for its alleged murder of children,” Catherine Pattison told jurors at the Old Bailey.Pattison said Albadri had arrived in Britain via a small boat on two occasions and most recently entered the country in April last year, when he applied for asylum, claiming he faced risks in Kuwait as a human rights activist.However, exchanges on his phone showed his asylum claim was rejected later that month, after which his intention began to shift to “far more sinister matters” and he started searching for the location of the Israeli embassy, Pattison said.Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the Israeli embassy has faced a number of security alerts but police “continuously review and strengthen protective security plans to ensure the site and the wider community is kept as safe as possible”. Related Story Source link
Officials in Occupied Jerusalem have warned of what they describe as a “serious and systematic escalation” at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, citing increased activity by settler groups in recent weeks. In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate said attempts were being made to impose new realities in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, including efforts to bring in what it referred to as “animal sacrifices” and an increase in incursions during religious and political occasions. The statement said there had been eight documented attempts since the start of the year to bring sacrificial animals to the mosque or its surroundings during the Passover period. It described this as the highest number recorded since 1967. In three cases, individuals were able to reach entrances near the site before being stopped, it added. The authority also warned of two upcoming dates in May which it said could see further escalation. These include May 15, marking “Jerusalem Day”, commemorating Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, and May 22, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Shavuot ( the Feast of Weeks). It said such occasions are often accompanied by increased visits to the site and attempts to bring in ritual items, including plant and animal offerings. Related Story Source link
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed the importance of the transatlantic military alliance with the United States, after US President Donald Trump said his administration was considering reducing the number of American troops stationed in Germany. In remarks reported by German radio, Merz said the German military made an essential contribution to a strong and united NATO, alongside the United States and other allies. He added that the partnership served mutual interests and was rooted in deep transatlantic ties. Germany’s “compass” remained firmly directed towards maintaining a strong alliance and a reliable partnership, Merz said, describing the transatlantic relationship as highly valued by Berlin. Related Story Source link
His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Qatar Olympic Committee, officially declared the conclusion of the 6th Asian Beach Games during the closing ceremony held at Yasha Park in Sanya.In his closing remarks, HE Sheikh Joaan described the Sanya edition as exceptional, emphasizing that Asia’s unity had created a historic moment. “Together, as one Asia, we made history. Through our love of sport and our shared dream, we have showcased the very best of our continent,” he said.HE Sheikh Joaan praised the host city’s success in rising to the occasion and establishing itself on the global stage. He commended the efforts of the organizing committee, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and the government of the People’s Republic of China.“I have no doubt this will be the first of many major sporting events that Sanya will host. As this edition concludes, the spirit of Sanya will remain with us – reminding us that when Asia unites, anything is possible,” he added. The ceremony also featured the traditional handover of the Olympic Council of Asia flag. The Mayor of Sanya presented the flag to the President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, who then handed it to Sheikh Joaan. His Excellency subsequently passed it to Abraham Tolentino, symbolizing the transfer to Cebu City, host of the next edition in March 2028.Qatari delegation celebrates national achievementsUnder the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, hosted a banquet honoring the Qatari delegation’s participation and achievements. The event was attended by Ali Ghanem al-Kuwari, President of the Qatar Volleyball Federation, and Mohammed Saad al-Mughaisib, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, along with administrative staff and national team athletes. During the banquet, the delegation celebrated gold medal victories in beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, and handball, as well as a silver medal achievement. The evening reflected a strong sense of pride and appreciation for the teams’ outstanding performances throughout the Games. Related Story Source link
Burnley’s English manager Scott Parker reacts on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Burnley at the Etihad Stadium in…
Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new contract at Manchester United that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2031, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over his future.The 21-year-old, who joined United's academy in 2014, has already made 98 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals, including in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City in 2024.Mainoo fell out of favour under former boss Ruben Amorim and had a request to leave on loan in August rejected.He started just one game all season – the League Cup loss to Grimsby on penalties – under the Portuguese, who was sacked in January.That led to growing speculation that the future of the boyhood United fan could lie away from Old Trafford.But Mainoo has been rejuvenated under Michael Carrick, who was appointed as head coach until the end of the season after Amorim was fired.The midfielder has started all but one game since then, playing a key role as United have climbed to third in the Premier League, all but securing a return to the Champions League.’Manchester United has always been my home – this special club means everything to my family,’ said Mainoo.’I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.’He added: ‘We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.’Jason Wilcox, United's director of football, hailed Mainoo as one of the most ‘naturally gifted young footballers in the world’.’His technical ability, dedicated professionalism and humble personality make him the perfect role model for our young players and a true credit to our outstanding academy system,’ he said.’We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world, ready to play a pivotal role in a Manchester United team challenging for the biggest honours.’Mainoo has also regained his place in the England set-up under Thomas Tuchel, featuring in friendlies in March against Uruguay and Japan. Source link
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe poses next to a picture of him while crossing the finish line to win the London Marathon after breaking a historic world record,…
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, the youngest championship leader in F1 history, will seek to complete a hat-trick of early season victories this weekend as Formula One returns after a month’s enforced absence due to the Middle East war. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver, triumphant in China and Japan, leads team-mate George Russell, who won the season-opening Australian race, by nine points ahead of what is effectively the start of another season, complete with revised rules and widespread car upgrades, at the Miami Grand Prix. “After a month without any racing, we are ready to get back on track,” said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff. “We’ve used this break to analyse the opening races, address our weaknesses and rase our level. We’ve started the season well, but that counts for very little if you stand still. We know our competitors will have used this time to improve and build a deeper understanding of their cars so we expect the field to be closer in Miami. That’s the reality of F1 – it’s a challenge we must rise to.” Antonelli’s early triumphs made him the first Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1953 to win two consecutive races. Ascari completed his treble that season. Wolff also addressed the tweaks to the regulations to be introduced in Miami, aimed at making the cars and the spectacle more natural with reduced battery re-charging in qualifying and increased super-clipping power to reduce dangerous speed differentials. He said the revised rules would “respect the DNA of our sport” and deliver an improved spectacle without any significant reduction to Mercedes’ early-season performance advantage.For Mercedes, this Sunday’s race is an opportunity for a first win in Florida since the event was launched five years ago. It has been won twice by four-time champion Max Verstappen for Red Bull and twice by McLaren with a win apiece for world champion Lando Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri. They will harbour hopes of claiming points too with success in Saturday’s sprint race, won last year by Norris, but Ferrari are widely expected to be strong contenders too as they arrive in Miami, like McLaren, who are bringing an almost “completely new car”, with a heavily revised package. “It was one of our best tracks for pure pace, compared to others, last year,” said Norris. “It’s a different track and it may still suit us a little more than others.” After winning in 2022 and 2023, Verstappen will be aiming to stop Mercedes’ winning run and revive Red Bull’s challenge this year after a discouraging start. He is ninth, on 12 points, 60 adrift of Antonelli, with team-mate Isack Hadjar 12th on four. Ferrari’s duo of Charles Leclerc and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton are third and fourth respectively on 49 and 41 points with many paddock observers suggesting they are poised to fight for a first win since Carlos Sainz’s success in Mexico in October 2024. Leclerc’s eighth and last win came at Austin, Texas, shortly before Sainz’s triumph while Hamilton is chasing his 106th win and first since the 2024 Belgian race before he joined Ferrari. After a desultory first year, the Briton said he is relishing the challenge of a new formula that has seen him rediscover his racing mojo. “We’re all re-charged after the break,” said Russell, expressing the feelings of most drivers. “I’m hoping we can continue where we left off.” It will mark newcomers Cadillac’s first racing appearance on home soil in the United States when Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas venture out at the Hard Rock Stadium in a new American livery. Source link
UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Tadej Pogacar (left) sprints to win ahead of INEOS Grenadiers’ Dorion Godon (R), in Vucherens, Switzerland, (AFP) Tadej Pogacar continued to dominate the Tour de Romandie, winning a sprint finish to take the second full stage the day after winning the mountainous opener. Pogacar cracked a smile and held two fingers in the air to signal a second victory as he finished almost a bike length ahead of Frenchman Dorian Godon. After the last survivor of a four-man breakaway was caught, Florian Lipowitz launched the sprint but was chased down by Godon, but the Ineos rider had UAE team leader Pogacar on his wheel. The Slovenian world champion surged up the inside in the final 100 metres of a rolling 173.1 kilometre stage through Switzerland from Rue to Vucherens. New Zealander Finn Fisher-Black was third. “Some guys went too early and it was an advantage for me,” said Pogacar at the finish. “For me it was all under control and a super sprint for me.” Pogacar, who is competing in the Romandie for the first time, picked up 10 bonus seconds to increase his overall lead to 17 seconds over Lipowitz, a German who rides for Red Bull, with Frenchman Lenny Martinez of Bahrain Victorious third at 26 seconds. Today’s third stage, a 176.6km circuit starting and ending in Orbe, includes one second-category climb. Related Story Source link