Telegram founder Pavel Durov has told investigating magistrates in France, where he was charged with infractions linked to enabling organised crime, that he "realised the seriousness of all the allegations"learned Saturday from a source familiar with the case. The messaging service Durov founded with his brother in 2013 "was not created to be a platform for criminals", he told investigators through an interpreter, according to extracts from his questioning in December provided by the source.
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Cuba released on Monday a Salvadoran man, Raul Ernesto Cruz Leon, after he served 30 years in prison over a wave of 1997 hotel bombings, local media reported. Cruz Leon was arrested in September 1997 and confessed to carrying out six bomb attacks that targeted hotels, one of which killed an Italian tourist.
Elon Musk warned against threats to DOGE employees after an incident at USAID involving attempts to access a secure area. The US attorney for the district of Columbia assured collaboration with law enforcement to investigate. No classified information was accessed.
Patty Morin, the mother of murdered Rachel Morin, made an emotional plea at the White House, urging for border protection following her daughter's death by an illegal immigrant. The appearance came amidst criticism over the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man with protected status, highlighting immigration policy debates.
The USCIS completed the FY 2026 H-1B visa cap selection, with selected individuals now able to file their petitions starting April 1, 2025. Applicants must follow all guidelines to ensure the smooth processing of their petitions and prove eligibility for professional, specialized jobs.
Scientists in China have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting humans by binding to the ACE2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2. The discovery raises concerns about potential spillover events, although the virus's efficiency in binding to human ACE2 is lower than SARS-CoV-2.
Karachi has seen a significant increase in fatalities from road accidents, robbery resistance, and aerial firing within the first two weeks of the new year, resulting in 36 deaths and numerous injuries, raising concerns about the city's law enforcement efficiency.
Israel's military admits failure in preventing the October 7 Hamas attack, with overconfidence and misjudgments highlighted in an internal report. In total, the conflict resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Ceasefire talks continue in Cairo as the initial truce phase nears its deadline.
A US judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to detain and deport Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This comes amid a broader crackdown on foreign students engaging in political activism. Chung’s lawyers argued that immigration laws were misused to suppress political speech. Legal challenges against the administration's policies are ongoing.
President Trump announced a 10% import duty on UK goods and a 20% levy on EU imports, raising protectionist concerns. These tariffs could significantly impact industries like scotch whisky. The UK government is negotiating to reduce the impact, emphasizing determination to maintain a balanced trade relationship with the US.
A British woman and her South African fiance were found dead at a holiday villa in Hoi An, Vietnam. The UK Foreign Office is assisting the woman's family. Police are investigating the cause of death, noting no external trauma or signs of forced entry. Several empty wine bottles were found at the scene.