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Iran is experiencing one of the most intense nationwide uprisings in its history, as protests over economic collapse and authoritarian rule surge across major cities. Authorities have imposed a digital blackout, cutting internet and phone networks in Tehran and other provinces to disrupt coordination.

On day twelve of unrest, tens of thousands took to the streets following calls from opposition figures, including exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Demonstrators not only condemned soaring inflation and corruption but also directly challenged Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demanding systemic political change.

#iranprotests #iran #khamenei

2 days ago | [YT] | 0

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signalled his legal strategy after telling a New York judge he was “captured” at his home in Caracas, framing his arrest as an unlawful US military abduction. His lawyers are expected to argue that the operation violated international law and due process.

A similar defence failed in the 1990s when Panama’s Manuel Noriega challenged his arrest following the US invasion of Panama, with courts focusing instead on the charges. Legal experts say it remains unclear whether judges will revisit that precedent. Judge Alvin Hellerstein cautioned Maduro against speaking, saying there would be “a time and place” to address the claims.

#usvenezuela #venezuela #maduro #trump

5 days ago | [YT] | 1

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Cilia Flores, the wife of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, sustained “significant injuries” during the US military operation that captured the couple, her lawyer has told a New York federal court. Attorney Mark Donnelly said Flores may have suffered a rib fracture or severe bruising and requires medical evaluation. The remarks followed her not-guilty plea to federal charges alongside Maduro.

CNN reporters observed bandages on Flores’ head and said she appeared unsteady during proceedings. Maduro also showed signs of injury, reportedly struggling at times to sit and stand. The disclosures have intensified scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the weekend operation.

#ciliaflores #maduro #venezuela #trump

5 days ago | [YT] | 0

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Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared assertive and confident during his court appearance in New York, according to CNN reporters inside the courtroom. Maduro spoke loudly and deliberately, describing himself as a “prisoner of war” and portraying his capture as an affront to his dignity. Observers said he took extensive notes and used deliberate gestures while addressing the court.

His wife, Cilia Flores, appeared unsteady and possibly injured, while Maduro also showed signs of physical strain. Proceedings were briefly disrupted when a man shouted accusations at Maduro, who responded by pointing skywards and declaring himself a man of God and Venezuela’s president.

#usvenezuela #maduro #trump #venezuela

5 days ago | [YT] | 1

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Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as Venezuela’s acting president after the US military operation that removed and detained Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruled late on Jan. 4 that Rodríguez, the sitting vice president, should assume the presidency on an interim basis to guarantee administrative continuity and national defence during Maduro’s “temporary absence”.

A powerful figure within the ruling establishment, Rodríguez has overseen key portfolios including the economy, oil and foreign affairs. The ceremony, broadcast by state media on Jan. 5, was led by her brother, National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez and boycotted by opposition lawmakers.

#delcyrodriguez #venezuela #maduro #trump

5 days ago | [YT] | 0

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Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are due to be arraigned in a Manhattan court on drug trafficking charges. Their removal by US forces has deepened uncertainty over Venezuela’s future. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would use its leverage, while President Donald Trump declared the US was now “in charge.”

#usvsvenezuela #maduro #trump #newyork

5 days ago | [YT] | 0

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Hollywood actor and humanitarian Angelina Jolie visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing into Gaza on Jan. 2, meeting Red Crescent volunteers and drivers transporting aid, AFP journalists said. Accompanied by an American delegation, she said she was honoured to speak with those involved in relief efforts.

A volunteer told her thousands of aid trucks were waiting at the border. Local media said Jolie, a former UN refugee agency envoy, visited to assess aid deliveries and the transfer of injured Palestinians. Egyptian authorities have not officially commented and the crossing remains closed despite a ceasefire.

#angelinajolie #rafah #gaza

1 week ago | [YT] | 4

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An Israeli former hostage has told television viewers that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted during 15 months in captivity in Gaza. Romi Gonen, 25, said four Hamas militants abused her, describing threats, intimidation and assaults by her guards.

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, she said she chose to speak out despite being warned to stay silent.Gonen was released in January 2025 during a ceasefire. Her account adds to similar testimonies from other former captives who say they suffered sexual violence while held in Gaza.

#israelihostage #hamas #israelhamaswar

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

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Israel has warned it will suspend several international aid organisations operating in Gaza from Jan., citing failure to provide staff details and alleged security concerns. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said licences would be revoked for groups that did not submit information on Palestinian employees to rule out militant links.

Two Doctors Without Borders staff were accused of such ties. Affected organisations must halt activities by March. Hamas condemned the move as a dangerous escalation, urging the United Nations and global community to intervene and protect humanitarian operations in the besieged territory.

#israel #israelgazawar #israelhamaswar #hamas

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

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US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a land-based strike in Venezuela on Dec. 29, targeting a facility allegedly linked to narcotics shipments. Caracas has not confirmed the incident. The claim follows months of escalating US action, including vessel strikes, tanker seizures and a naval blockade, despite Washington presenting no public evidence of drug trafficking.

#usvenezuela #trump #caracas #usmilitary

1 week ago | [YT] | 1