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SEOUL: South Korean authorities moved on Friday to execute an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces criminal charges for insurrection related to a controversial martial law attempt on December 3. This unprecedented action against an incumbent president has sparked significant unrest, with hundreds of protesters gathering outside Yoon's residence to block police efforts to carry out the arrest. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), supported by police and prosecutors, arrived early at Yoon's compound, but access was blocked by the Presidential Security Service. Protesters, some brandishing U.S. and South Korean flags, expressed their determination to protect Yoon, who has been isolated since his impeachment on December 14. His legal team argues the arrest warrant is invalid, and the Constitutional Court is currently reviewing his impeachment case. A second hearing is set for later Friday.
Published: Jan 03 2025, 6 ameznews.inOutgoing President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 distinguished individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, football icon Lionel Messi, philanthropist George Soros, and actor Denzel Washington, recognizing their significant contributions to American society and global causes. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House, where Biden praised the recipients for their influence and dedication to humanitarian efforts and cultural progress. Notably, Messi was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. Among other honorees were chef José Andrés, musician Bono, and basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Posthumous awards were given to civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer and former Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, with family members accepting on their behalf. The award to Soros drew criticism from Republican leaders, who accused Biden of undermining American values, while supporters highlighted Soros's commitment to democracy and human rights.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inIsraeli authorities are ramping up efforts to recover the remains of Eli Cohen, a legendary spy who infiltrated Syria's elite in the 1960s under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet. Arriving in Damascus in 1962, Cohen gained access to powerful figures through lavish parties, providing critical intelligence that aided Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. However, his espionage activities were uncovered in 1965, leading to his arrest and public execution in Marjeh Square. Since then, the location of his body has remained undisclosed, with Syrian authorities reportedly relocating it multiple times to thwart recovery attempts. Despite international pleas for clemency, Cohen was hanged on May 18, 1965. Recently, the collapse of the Assad regime in parts of Syria has opened new avenues for negotiations, with Israeli officials, including Mossad's Director, engaging in talks with former Assad government members, aided by Russian mediators.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inTesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly condemned President Joe Biden's decision to award billionaire philanthropist George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling it "a travesty" on social media platform X. Biden announced the medal recipients on January 4, 2025, honoring 19 individuals for their contributions across various fields, including Soros, recognized for his work on global democracy and human rights. This selection has ignited polarized reactions, particularly among Republicans who have long criticized Soros for allegedly using his wealth to influence politics. Biden defended the awards, asserting that the recipients exemplify American values and contribute significantly to the nation and the world. The controversy surrounding Soros has also sparked political tensions in India, where BJP leaders accused the Congress party of colluding with him, leading to heated debates in Parliament. Soros' initiatives have faced backlash in several countries, including Hungary and Russia, where they are often seen as foreign interference.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inA tragic New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans left 14 people dead and over 30 injured when 42-year-old US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. Jabbar, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS, was killed in a shootout with police shortly after the incident. Among the victims was Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old with close ties to the British Royal Family, being the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry's former nanny, Tiggy Pettifer. The Pettifer family expressed their devastation over his loss, while King Charles and Prince William shared their condolences, highlighting the profound impact of this horrific event. Jabbar, who served in the Army from 2007 to 2015, had a minor criminal record and was believed to have acted alone, according to the FBI. The attack coincided with another deadly incident in Las Vegas involving an off-duty special forces soldier.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe family of 19-year-old Liri Albag, an Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023, expressed deep concern after a recent video showed her in a distressed state, describing her as "broken and shattered." In the three-and-a-half-minute footage, Albag, who has been held for over 450 days, appears significantly affected by her captivity. Her mother, Shira Albag, stated, "This is not the Liri we know," and urged the Israeli government to prioritize the release of hostages, including Liri and 99 others. The Albag family has appealed directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the immediate risk to the hostages' lives. The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis, prompting a relentless Israeli military response that has led to significant casualties in Gaza, with over 45,000 Palestinians reported killed.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inGabriel Freitas, a Brazilian reality TV star and fitness influencer, has died at the age of 37 following a fatal heart attack on December 30. Freitas, who gained international fame for losing an impressive 174 kg, faced personal challenges after the tragic deaths of his father and brother, which led him to regain weight. His close friend, Ricardo Gouvea, confirmed that Freitas passed away peacefully in his sleep, praising his strength and good heart. With over 700,000 followers on social media, Freitas inspired many by sharing his weight loss journey, which began on the Brazilian TV show "Programa do Gugu" in 2017. He documented his transformation from 320 kg to 114 kg in just 18 months, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health. His untimely death has left fans in shock, mourning the loss of a figure who embodied resilience and motivation.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 8 ameznews.inAmerican Olympic medallist Fred Kerley was tased and arrested in Miami Beach following a confrontation with police on Thursday. The 29-year-old, who won bronze in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics and silver in Tokyo, approached an active investigation scene to inquire about his nearby parked car. Officers described Kerley as displaying an "aggressive demeanor" and ignoring their commands to retreat, leading to a physical altercation involving multiple officers. According to a police affidavit, Kerley was struck in the head, rib cage, and back before being incapacitated by the taser, after which he allegedly continued to resist. He faces charges of resisting arrest without violence, battery against an officer, and disorderly conduct. In court, his attorney condemned the police's actions as an overreaction, while Judge Mindy Glazer noted that the incident could have been handled differently, given Kerley's clean record and status as a professional athlete.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 8 ameznews.inA powerful winter storm has begun to impact the central United States, with meteorologists warning that over 60 million people in the eastern regions will face blizzard conditions, ice, and frigid temperatures through Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings across a 1,500-mile stretch from western Kansas to the Mid-Atlantic, predicting heavy snowfall and damaging ice accumulations, particularly in northeastern Kansas and north-central Missouri, which may experience their heaviest snowfall in a decade. Travel disruptions are already evident, with Kansas City International Airport halting operations due to ice accumulation. In addition, areas near the Great Lakes could see up to four feet of lake-effect snow. As temperatures plunge, the risk of power outages and road hazards increases, prompting governors in Missouri and Virginia to declare states of emergency. The storm poses significant dangers, especially in communities still recovering from a recent hurricane.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, released a video on Saturday featuring Israeli soldier Liri Albag, who has been held hostage in Gaza since the group's October 2023 attack. In the three-and-a-half-minute undated clip, the 19-year-old appeals in Hebrew for her government's intervention for her release. Albag's family, represented by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, has not authorized the video's release, urging leaders to act as if their own children were involved. Captured at the Nahal Oz base alongside six other women, five of whom are still missing, Albag's situation highlights the ongoing crisis, with 96 hostages remaining in Gaza out of 251 taken during the initial assault. Negotiations for a truce and hostage release are reportedly set to resume in Qatar, amid ongoing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from critics and families of those abducted.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe UK is facing a significant rise in flu cases, with hospital admissions related to the virus now four times higher than a month ago, according to government health officials. As of last week, approximately 5,000 patients were being treated for flu in hospitals, nearly 3.5 times more than the same period last year, although still below 2022 levels. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine described the situation as "unacceptably awful," with hospitals nearing their breaking point. Health experts warn that an impending cold snap could exacerbate the risks for vulnerable patients. Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, highlighted the alarming rate of cases, which could exceed 5,000 daily. The NHS advises individuals to monitor flu symptoms, which can develop quickly, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination for those at risk.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 12 am
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