Johnny Leung will succeed Yang Joe-tsi as Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force Commandant from April 7, the Government announced today.
Mr Leung, 57, is the Chief Operating Officer of a multinational engineering corporation.
He joined the Auxiliary Police Force as a constable in 1989 and was promoted to Chief Superintendent (Auxiliary) in 2017. He became deputy commandant in 2021.
Mr Yang has a wide range of operational and management experience. He was awarded the Long Service Medal for Auxiliary Police in 2004, the First Clasp in 2014, and a TIDERIDER medal in 2021.
Holyrood RCMP is looking to arrest wanted man, 34-year-old Simon Dobbin of St. Joseph’s. Dobbin is wanted for charges of assault and two counts of breaching a release order.
An image of Dobbin is attached.
Anyone having information about Dobbin’s current location is asked to contact Holyrood RCMP at 709-229-3892. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visitwww.nlcrimestoppers.comor use the P3Tips app.
Tattoos of crowns and roses are popular among everyone – not just members of Tren de Aragua, as law enforcement has claimed. Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The United States deported 238 Venezuelan men on three flights to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, claiming that they were members of the Tren de Aragua gang that originated in Venezuela.
A lawyer for Jerce Reyes Barrios, a professional soccer player who is among the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador, says the government detained and deported her client because he has a tattoo of a soccer ball with a crown on top, which resembles the logo of his favorite soccer team, Real Madrid. The tattoo and a photograph of Barrios making a hand sign that means “I love you” in sign language are the only two pieces of evidence the government has presented of his gang ties, according to the lawyer.
Meanwhile, deported Venezuelan makeup artist Andry José Hernández Romero has a tattoo of a crown on each wrist, one with “Dad” and one with “Mom” written next to each crown. Immigration authorities indicated in his file that these tattoos were “determining factors to conclude reasonable suspicion” of his membership in the Tren de Aragua gang. Some government sources list crowns as a tattoo common for Tren de Aragua members, but other government sources cast doubt on that claim.
The tattoos on the wrists of Andry José Hernández Romero, who says he was wrongly identified as a gang member by the Trump administration. David Alandete/X
Whether or not the Trump administration used tattoos as a sole criteria for deportation, I’ve found in my own research that simply using tattoos as any sort of criteria can lead law enforcement astray.
In 2023, I analyzed the reliability of tattoos as markers of gang membership in the Washington Law Review.
The bottom line: While many people in gangs have tattoos that demonstrate their membership, many people who have absolutely no gang ties also get similar tattoos.
There are some types of tattoos that can be especially misleading.
Geographic origins
In 2017, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Daniel Ramirez Medina, who was lawfully in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. The government attempted to strip his status and deport him, claiming he was a gang member due to a tattoo that read “La Paz BCS.” La Paz is the capital of the Mexican state Baja California Sur, which is abbreviated “BCS.” The only evidence of gang membership that ICE agents presented in immigration court was this tattoo.
But they overlooked the fact that tattoos depicting the names or area codes of hometowns or countries of origin are a common way for people to honor where they came from.
This is particularly the case for people who migrate or move away from their homelands. For example, tattoos of “503” and “504” – the country codes used to dial El Salvador and Honduras, respectively – have been relied upon to allege gang membership, even as many people who have these tattoos deny any gang ties and have no criminal records. Law enforcement has also relied on tattoos of the words “Mexican,” “Chicano” or “Brown Pride” as evidence of gang membership.
Some gangs, such as the Mexican Mafia, include a reference to nationality in the name of the gang. And in the U.S., street gangs are often based in specific neighborhoods, with many gangs incorporating the city or street where they’re based into gang names and associated tattoos. For this reason, tattoos celebrating a city or country can only lead to confusion.
Tattoos of Mayan or Aztec images have also been used to designate people as gang members, even though these tattoos are clear expressions of cultural identity and do not necessarily have any nexus to gang membership. While some gangs do use specific Aztec symbols to identify members, it’s virtually impossible to distinguish a tattoo of cultural or geographic significance from a tattoo indicating gang association.
In the case of Medina, U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez, a George W. Bush appointee, ordered that his DACA status remain in place and that he be protected from deportation because ICE’s “conclusory findings” that he was a gang member were “contradicted by experts and other evidence.” Furthermore, an immigration judge who reviewed all the evidence had already concluded that he was not in a gang.
Martinez was clearly disturbed by ICE’s claims, writing, “Most troubling to the Court is the continued assertion that Mr. Ramirez is gang-affiliated, despite providing no evidence specific to Mr. Ramirez to the Immigration Court in connection with his administrative proceedings, and offering no evidence to this Court to support its assertions four months later.”
Religious imagery and pop culture
Tattoos of popular Catholic religious images, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, praying hands and rosaries, have also been used to label people as gang members, a move that would seem to be clearly overbroad.
While some gang members may be Catholic, no one would even try to allege that all Catholics are gang members. At least one of the deported Venezuelan men had a tattoo of a rosary, along with tattoos of a clock and the names of his mother and niece with crowns atop the text.
Tattoos have also become an important way for people to celebrate popular culture. Tattoos of a woman’s lips, for example, have become popular among gang members and non-gang members alike. A number of professional athletes, including soccer phenom Lionel Messi, have tattoos of their partner’s lips. However, this is also a tattoo law enforcement uses to categorize people as gang members.
The issue, of course, is that these symbols are also popular among people with no connection to the gang.
Imprecise methodology
Understanding the problem really comes down to math. While it may be true that many gang members have tattoos of the images listed above, it is also true that many non-gang members have similar tattoos.
The Bayesian mathematical approach involves making inferences about probabilities based on available information. The probability that a gang member has a certain tattoo isn’t the same as the probability that an individual who has a certain tattoo is a gang member.
The U.S. government seems to be wrongfully equating the two.
Writing about the broader problems of discerning gang membership in 2009, sociologist David Kennedy argued that the law’s inability to devise rules “that clearly distinguish a gang and a football team, or a gang member and his mother” suggests that taking “legal action, based on imprecise language [is] something of a problem.”
This problem becomes magnified when there’s no due process for the accused – which is exactly what happened to the Venezuelan men whisked off to El Salvador.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Serious Fraud Office sets out next steps in ambitious plan
The SFO has published its plan for the year ahead focusing on using new tools, enhancing its intelligence capacity and with domestic and international partners.
The SFO today published its plan for the year ahead focusing on using new tools, enhancing its intelligence capacity and working ‘more vigorously’ with domestic and international partners.
The Business Plan 2025-26 is the next step in the SFO’s ambition to be bolder and more pragmatic as an organisation.
This approach has already delivered faster progression of cases with stricter case discipline creating capacity to open eight new investigations and charge a case within 15 months of opening.
This year, the SFO aims to use the new “failure to prevent fraud” offence, part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which comes into force in September. The plan also includes delivery of refreshed corporate guidance for engaging with the SFO and advancing plans for a whistleblower incentivisation scheme.
Operational divisions will also begin rolling out Technology Assisted Review (TAR), which has been found during a pilot to review documents for disclosure up to 40 per cent faster than our standard method.
The SFO will continue to invest in its covert operational capacity and work more closely with key law enforcement and regulatory partners. The SFO recently created a new taskforce to tackle international bribery and corruption, with key partners Switzerland and France
Read the full SFO 2025-26 Business Plan (PDF, 2.8 MB, 9 pages), including a message from Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office.
Teams from the council worked with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and other key agencies in a series of days of action in town centres from 20-28 March.
The city council joined forces with police and other partners to clean up neighbourhoods and tackle anti-social behaviour across Stoke-on-Trent.
Teams from the council worked with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and other key agencies in a series of days of action in town centres from 20-28 March.
The teams – who were active in Burslem, Longton, Stoke, Tunstall, and Hanley – tackled a wide range of community concerns.
Police took action against a number of criminal activities, including issues relating to drugs.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue inspected hazardous buildings and conducted hydrant checks.
Action led by city council teams included:
Supporting rough sleepers to access essential services
Inspecting empty homes to ensure they were safe
Clearing illegal rubbish dumping
Enforcing parking rules and issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
Issuing fines and warning letters for untidy properties
Licensing and Trading Standards checks on local businesses
The days of action had positive impacts across the city.
In Broomhill Street in Tunstall, four vehicles were seized by the DVLA for having no insurance, while Environmental Crime officers cleared seven wagons of waste from the area.
They also took down fencing which had been used to create extra garden space without planning permission. The householder at the address had also wired his property to a nearby lamppost and was illegally taking electricity, which was made safe by National Grid.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It’s great to see so many partners out and about with us, sharing the same vision and helping people get the support they need.
“We are committed to making Stoke-on-Trent a cleaner, greener and safer place for all who live, work and visit here.
“We are acting on residents’ concerns, and all reports are taken seriously.”
Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Activity doesn’t just happen during these days of action.
“Our Trading Standards, Anti-Social Behaviour, Parking and Environmental Crime teams are out across the city every day.”
Stoke North Inspector Victoria Ison, of Staffordshire Police, said: “This activity follows months of successful enforcement operations with our partners at the city council to target those blighting local people across Stoke-on-Trent.
“More than 260 people have been arrested since we launched our Making Great Places initiative with local partners.
“We’re working in partnership with the council to continue addressing the concerns of local communities and to take robust action against those responsible for harm across the city.
To report any concerns please call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are concerned about anyone sleeping rough, contact the Outreach Team on 0800 970 2304 or via the Streetlink website.
Illegal dumping can be reported to Environmental Crime on 01782 234234 or via email at environmental.crime@stoke.gov.uk and the Drug and Alcohol Service can be contacted on 01782 283113.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has made multiple arrests in relation to a large disturbance that occurred in Alice Springs earlier today.
Just after 12pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received multiple reports of a violent disturbance involving up to 50 people occurring in Sadadeen.
Upon police arrival, the group allegedly armed themselves with various weapons and threw rocks at police. OC spray was deployed to disperse the group, and one adult female and four adult males were subsequently arrested.
One adult male remains outstanding after allegedly attempting to set his dogs upon one of the police officers.
All offenders remain in custody and are expected to be charged for various offences, including Disorderly behaviour and Assault police.
One adult female was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital for assessment.
No police member was injured during the incident.
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25090654. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for triathlon event in Central and Wan Chai districts from this Friday to Sunday 1. Road closures 2. Public transport arrangements
To tie in with the road closure arrangements in the vicinity of Central Harbourfront, the departures of cross-harbour bus route nos. H1S and H2 heading to Central will be temporarily diverted to operate via Connaught Road Central in the following time periods until the closed road is reopened to traffic: During the road closure in Central Harbourfront, the bus stop on Man Yiu Street near Two International Finance Centre will be temporarily suspended.
Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. During the event, the TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. Members of the public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the “HKeMobility” mobile application.
For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD website (www.td.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:45
Many networks have a gap in their defenses for detecting and blocking a malicious technique known as “fast flux.” This technique poses a significant threat to national security, enabling malicious cyber actors to consistently evade detection. Malicious cyber actors, including cybercriminals and nation-state actors, use fast flux to obfuscate the locations of malicious servers by rapidly changing Domain Name System (DNS) records. Additionally, they can create resilient, highly available command and control (C2) infrastructure, concealing their subsequent malicious operations. This resilient and fast changing infrastructure makes tracking and blocking malicious activities that use fast flux more difficult.
The National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), and New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ) are releasing this joint cybersecurity advisory (CSA) to warn organizations, Internet service providers (ISPs), and cybersecurity service providers of the ongoing threat of fast flux enabled malicious activities as a defensive gap in many networks. This advisory is meant to encourage service providers, especially Protective DNS (PDNS) providers, to help mitigate this threat by taking proactive steps to develop accurate, reliable, and timely fast flux detection analytics and blocking capabilities for their customers. This CSA also provides guidance on detecting and mitigating elements of malicious fast flux by adopting a multi-layered approach that combines DNS analysis, network monitoring, and threat intelligence.
The authoring agencies recommend all stakeholders—government and providers—collaborate to develop and implement scalable solutions to close this ongoing gap in network defenses against malicious fast flux activity.
When malicious cyber actors compromise devices and networks, the malware they use needs to “call home” to send status updates and receive further instructions. To decrease the risk of detection by network defenders, malicious cyber actors use dynamic resolution techniques, such as fast flux, so their communications are less likely to be detected as malicious and blocked.
Fast flux refers to a domain-based technique that is characterized by rapidly changing the DNS records (e.g., IP addresses) associated with a single domain [T1568.001].
Single and double flux
Malicious cyber actors use two common variants of fast flux to perform operations:
1. Single flux: A single domain name is linked to numerous IP addresses, which are frequently rotated in DNS responses. This setup ensures that if one IP address is blocked or taken down, the domain remains accessible through the other IP addresses. See Figure 1 as an example to illustrate this technique.
Figure 1: Single flux technique.
Note: This behavior can also be used for legitimate purposes for performance reasons in dynamic hosting environments, such as in content delivery networks and load balancers.
2. Double flux: In addition to rapidly changing the IP addresses as in single flux, the DNS name servers responsible for resolving the domain also change frequently. This provides an additional layer of redundancy and anonymity for malicious domains. Double flux techniques have been observed using both Name Server (NS) and Canonical Name (CNAME) DNS records. See Figure 2 as an example to illustrate this technique.
Figure 2: Double flux technique.
Both techniques leverage a large number of compromised hosts, usually as a botnet from across the Internet that acts as proxies or relay points, making it difficult for network defenders to identify the malicious traffic and block or perform legal enforcement takedowns of the malicious infrastructure. Numerous malicious cyber actors have been reported using the fast flux technique to hide C2 channels and remain operational. Examples include:
Bulletproof hosting (BPH) services offer Internet hosting that disregards or evades law enforcement requests and abuse notices. These providers host malicious content and activities while providing anonymity for malicious cyber actors. Some BPH companies also provide fast flux services, which help malicious cyber actors maintain connectivity and improve the reliability of their malicious infrastructure. [1]
Fast flux has been used in Hive and Nefilim ransomware attacks. [3], [4]
Gamaredon uses fast flux to limit the effectiveness of IP blocking. [5], [6], [7]
The key advantages of fast flux networks for malicious cyber actors include:
Increased resilience. As a fast flux network rapidly rotates through botnet devices, it is difficult for law enforcement or abuse notifications to process the changes quickly and disrupt their services.
Render IP blocking ineffective. The rapid turnover of IP addresses renders IP blocking irrelevant since each IP address is no longer in use by the time it is blocked. This allows criminals to maintain resilient operations.
Anonymity. Investigators face challenges in tracing malicious content back to the source through fast flux networks. This is because malicious cyber actors’ C2 botnets are constantly changing the associated IP addresses throughout the investigation.
Additional malicious uses
Fast flux is not only used for maintaining C2 communications, it also can play a significant role in phishing campaigns to make social engineering websites harder to block or take down. Phishing is often the first step in a larger and more complex cyber compromise. Phishing is typically used to trick victims into revealing sensitive information (such as login passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data), but can also be used to distribute malware or exploit system vulnerabilities. Similarly, fast flux is used for maintaining high availability for cybercriminal forums and marketplaces, making them resilient against law enforcement takedown efforts.
Some BPH providers promote fast flux as a service differentiator that increases the effectiveness of their clients’ malicious activities. For example, one BPH provider posted on a dark web forum that it protects clients from being added to Spamhaus blocklists by easily enabling the fast flux capability through the service management panel (See Figure 3). A customer just needs to add a “dummy server interface,” which redirects incoming queries to the host server automatically. By doing so, only the dummy server interfaces are reported for abuse and added to the Spamhaus blocklist, while the servers of the BPH customers remain “clean” and unblocked.
Figure 3: Example dark web fast flux advertisement.
The BPH provider further explained that numerous malicious activities beyond C2, including botnet managers, fake shops, credential stealers, viruses, spam mailers, and others, could use fast flux to avoid identification and blocking.
As another example, a BPH provider that offers fast flux as a service advertised that it automatically updates name servers to prevent the blocking of customer domains. Additionally, this provider further promoted its use of separate pools of IP addresses for each customer, offering globally dispersed domain registrations for increased reliability.
Detection techniques
The authoring agencies recommend that ISPs and cybersecurity service providers, especially PDNS providers, implement a multi-layered approach, in coordination with customers, using the following techniques to aid in detecting fast flux activity [CISA CPG 3.A]. However, quickly detecting malicious fast flux activity and differentiating it from legitimate activity remains an ongoing challenge to developing accurate, reliable, and timely fast flux detection analytics.
1. Leverage threat intelligence feeds and reputation services to identify known fast flux domains and associated IP addresses, such as in boundary firewalls, DNS resolvers, and/or SIEM solutions.
2. Implement anomaly detection systems for DNS query logs to identify domains exhibiting high entropy or IP diversity in DNS responses and frequent IP address rotations. Fast flux domains will frequently cycle though tens or hundreds of IP addresses per day.
3. Analyze the time-to-live (TTL) values in DNS records. Fast flux domains often have unusually low TTL values. A typical fast flux domain may change its IP address every 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Review DNS resolution for inconsistent geolocation. Malicious domains associated with fast flux typically generate high volumes of traffic with inconsistent IP-geolocation information.
5. Use flow data to identify large-scale communications with numerous different IP addresses over short periods.
6. Develop fast flux detection algorithms to identify anomalous traffic patterns that deviate from usual network DNS behavior.
7. Monitor for signs of phishing activities, such as suspicious emails, websites, or links, and correlate these with fast flux activity. Fast flux may be used to rapidly spread phishing campaigns and to keep phishing websites online despite blocking attempts.
8. Implement customer transparency and share information about detected fast flux activity, ensuring to alert customers promptly after confirmed presence of malicious activity.
Mitigations
All organizations
To defend against fast flux, government and critical infrastructure organizations should coordinate with their Internet service providers, cybersecurity service providers, and/or their Protective DNS services to implement the following mitigations utilizing accurate, reliable, and timely fast flux detection analytics.
Note: Some legitimate activity, such as common content delivery network (CDN) behaviors, may look like malicious fast flux activity. Protective DNS services, service providers, and network defenders should make reasonable efforts, such as allowlisting expected CDN services, to avoid blocking or impeding legitimate content.
1. DNS and IP blocking and sinkholing of malicious fast flux domains and IP addresses
Block access to domains identified as using fast flux through non-routable DNS responses or firewall rules.
Consider sinkholing the malicious domains, redirecting traffic from those domains to a controlled server to capture and analyze the traffic, helping to identify compromised hosts within the network.
Block IP addresses known to be associated with malicious fast flux networks.
2. Reputational filtering of fast flux enabled malicious activity
Block traffic to and from domains or IP addresses with poor reputations, especially ones identified as participating in malicious fast flux activity.
3. Enhanced monitoring and logging
Increase logging and monitoring of DNS traffic and network communications to identify new or ongoing fast flux activities.
Implement automated alerting mechanisms to respond swiftly to detected fast flux patterns.
Share detected fast flux indicators (e.g., domains, IP addresses) with trusted partners and threat intelligence communities to enhance collective defense efforts. Examples of indicator sharing initiatives include CISA’s Automated Indicator Sharing or sector-based Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) and ASD’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing Platform (CTIS) in Australia.
Participate in public and private information-sharing programs to stay informed about emerging fast flux tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Regular collaboration is particularly important because most malicious activity by these domains occurs within just a few days of their initial use; therefore, early discovery and information sharing by the cybersecurity community is crucial to minimizing such malicious activity. [8]
5. Phishing awareness and training
Implement employee awareness and training programs to help personnel identify and respond appropriately to phishing attempts.
Develop policies and procedures to manage and contain phishing incidents, particularly those facilitated by fast flux networks.
The authoring agencies encourage organizations to use cybersecurity and PDNS services that detect and block fast flux. By leveraging providers that detect fast flux and implement capabilities for DNS and IP blocking, sinkholing, reputational filtering, enhanced monitoring, logging, and collaborative defense of malicious fast flux domains and IP addresses, organizations can mitigate many risks associated with fast flux and maintain a more secure environment.
However, some PDNS providers may not detect and block malicious fast flux activities. Organizations should not assume that their PDNS providers block malicious fast flux activity automatically and should contact their PDNS providers to validate coverage of this specific cyber threat.
For more information on PDNS services, see the 2021 joint cybersecurity information sheet from NSA and CISA about Selecting a Protective DNS Service. [9] In addition, NSA offers no-cost cybersecurity services to Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies, including a PDNS service. For more information, see NSA’s DIB Cybersecurity Services and factsheet. CISA also offers a Protective DNS service for federal civilian executive branch (FCEB) agencies. See CISA’s Protective Domain Name System Resolver page and factsheet for more information.
Conclusion
Fast flux represents a persistent threat to network security, leveraging rapidly changing infrastructure to obfuscate malicious activity. By implementing robust detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of compromise by fast flux-enabled threats.
The authoring agencies strongly recommend organizations engage their cybersecurity providers on developing a multi-layered approach to detect and mitigate malicious fast flux operations. Utilizing services that detect and block fast flux enabled malicious cyber activity can significantly bolster an organization’s cyber defenses.
The information and opinions contained in this document are provided “as is” and without any warranties or guarantees. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government, and this guidance shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
Purpose
This document was developed in furtherance of the authoring cybersecurity agencies’ missions, including their responsibilities to identify and disseminate threats, and develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations. This information may be shared broadly to reach all appropriate stakeholders.
Contact
National Security Agency (NSA):
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):
All organizations should report incidents and anomalous activity to CISA via the agency’s Incident Reporting System, its 24/7 Operations Center at report@cisa.gov, or by calling 1-844-Say-CISA (1-844-729-2472). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment user for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
To report suspicious or criminal activity related to information found in this advisory, contact your local FBI field office or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact.
Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC):
For inquiries, visit ASD’s website at www.cyber.gov.au or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline at 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS):
New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ):
Use of e-governance and e-courts in Income Tax Appellate Tribunal
Over 26,000 appeals and applications were filed electronically through e-filing portal up to 28.02.2025
Court rooms at new office premises of ITAT, Delhi and Lucknow benches have also been equipped with the state-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure
State-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure facilitating uninterrupted virtual/hybrid hearings
Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:06PM by PIB Delhi
The e-filing portal has been launched in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) for facilitating electronic filing of appeals, applications, petitions and documents, by the stakeholders. The e-filing portal continues to gain the acceptance of the stakeholders. Over 26,000 appeals and applications were filed electronically through e-filing portal before various benches of ITAT during the year, up to 28.02.2025. The provision of free and high-speed internet at various benches has been provided through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), for access by all stakeholders. The Court rooms at new office premises of ITAT, Delhi and Lucknow benches have also been equipped with the state-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure to provide better hybrid/virtual hearing experience to the stakeholders. The upgradation of infrastructure including installation of latest equipment is also being enabled continuously for facilitating uninterrupted virtual/hybrid hearings.
In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, ITAT has implemented hybrid / virtual hearings at all Benches, in letter and spirit, which facilitates litigants to attend hearing of their cases virtually. The benches of ITAT are not declining the requests of the parties for virtual hearings. For the period from July 2023 to December 2024, a total 1,22,302 hearings of appeals have been conducted through video conferencing before various Benches of ITAT.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024) Legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively
Legal Aid System
Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society including beneficiaries covered under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. This Act ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. In addition, NALSA has also formulated various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes, which are implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at various levels i.e. State, District and Taluka level. During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services.
Government is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026), at an outlay of Rs. 250 crores. The DISHA scheme aims to provide easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric delivery of legal services through the Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programme. Under the DISHA scheme, Tele- Law connects citizens with the lawyers through mobile app “Tele- Law” and Toll-Free number for rendering pre-litigation advice; Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono services) facilitates registered beneficiaries to avail pro bono legal representation in courts and under the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, citizens are empowered to know, understand and avail their legal rights, duties and entitlements. Till 28th February 2025, DISHA scheme through its various programmes has covered approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country.
The Government of India is implementing another Central Sector Scheme namely; Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through NALSA. LADCS Scheme aims to provide legal aid with regard to criminal cases only to the beneficiaries eligible for legal aid under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. The approved financial outlay of LADCS scheme is Rs. 998.43 crore for 3 years (F.Y. 2023-24 to F.Y. 2025-26). As on 30th December 2024, LADC offices are functional in 654 districts across the country and has engaged 5251 staff including 3448 Defense Counsels. During the year 2024-25 (upto December, 2024), LADCS offices dealt more than 3.95 lakh criminal cases.
Legal awareness programmes are held across the country by Legal Service Authorities on various laws and schemes relating to children, labourers, victims of disaster, SC and ST, persons suffering from disability, etc. Legal Services Authorities also prepare booklets and pamphlets in simple language on various laws and are distributed amongst the people. 12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024) which were attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
The Supreme Court is collaborating with the High Courts in translation of e-SCR Judgements in 18 vernacular languages. The Chief Justice of India has constituted the Artificial Intelligence Assisted Legal Translation Advisory Committee, headed by a Judge of the Supreme Court of India to monitor the translation of Supreme Court Reportable Judgements (e-SCR) into vernacular languages by using Artificial Intelligence Tools. A similar Committee has been constituted in all the High Courts, headed by a Judge of the respective High Courts.
The Artificial Intelligence Committee of the Supreme Court has been convening frequent meetings with the Artificial Intelligence Committee of the High Courts and giving directions/ suggestions for translation of Supreme Court and High Court Judgements in vernacular language by using Artificial Intelligence Tools. The Artificial Intelligence Committee of the High Courts, Law Secretary, Advocate General, the Secretary in-charge of translation department in the State have been requested to take steps for appointment of translators in every High Court for translation of Supreme Court Reportable Judgements (e-SCR) as well as the High Court judgements into vernacular/ local language of that state.
As on 28.03.2025, 36344 Supreme Court Judgments have been translated
During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services Government implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026) for Rs. 250 crores
Government of India is implementing Central Sector Scheme Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through National Legal Services Authority
Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi
The Legislative Department is mandated with drafting of laws on the basis of the policy decision taken by the concerned administrative Ministries/Department of the Government of India and as per the procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in the Manual of Parliamentary Procedure in the Government of India. The Legislative Department has been taking necessary steps to ensure that legislative drafting is simple, plain, precise and unambiguous. The Institute of Legislative Drafting and Research offers training in legislative drafting with the focus on drafting the legislations in simple/plain language to make it accessible for the general public.
As part of the resolve of the Government of India to reduce such compliance burden, bring reforms in the legal system and make it more accessible to the common man, so far, a total number of 1562 obsolete and redundant laws have been repealed through various Repealing and Amending Acts.
The Law Commission of India has also been mandated to review and suggest reforms in the laws of the country. As per notification dated 02.09.2024 the Twenty-third Law Commission of India was constituted with the mandate, inter-alia to identify laws which are no longer needed or relevant and can be immediately repealed, examine the existing laws for promoting gender equality and suggesting amendments thereto and revise the Central Acts of general importance so as to simplify them and to remove anomalies, ambiguities and inequities.
The National Legal Services Authoritywas constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society including beneficiaries covered under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This Act ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. In addition, National Legal Services Authority has also formulated various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes, which are implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at various levels i.e. State, District and Taluka level. During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services.
Government is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026), at an outlay of Rs. 250 crores.
The DISHA scheme aims to provide easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric delivery of legal services through the Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programme. Under the DISHA scheme, Tele-Law connects citizens with the lawyers through mobile app “Tele-Law” and Toll-Free number for rendering pre-litigation advice; Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono services) facilitates registered beneficiaries to avail pro bono legal representation in courts and under the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, citizens are empowered to know, understand and avail their legal rights, duties and entitlements. Till 28th February 2025, DISHA scheme through its various programmes has covered approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country.
The Government of India is implementing another Central Sector Scheme that is the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through National Legal Services Authority. LADCS Scheme aims to provide legal aid with regard to criminal cases only to the beneficiaries eligible for legal aid under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The approved financial outlay of LADCS scheme is Rs. 998.43 crore for 3 years (F.Y. 2023-24 to F.Y. 2025-26). As on 30th December 2024, LADC offices are functional in 654 districts across the country and has engaged 5251 staff including 3448 Defense Counsels. During the year 2024-25 (upto December, 2024), LADCS offices dealt more than 3.95 lakh criminal cases.
Lok Adalats are organised by Legal Services Institutions at such intervals as it deems fit, in order to reduce the pendency of cases in courts and also to settle the disputes at pre-litigation stage. Lok Adalats are one of the effective modes of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism in reducing the burden on the courts, which have received positive response from the public.
There are three types of Lok Adalats namely State Lok Adalats, National Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats.
State Lok Adalats are organized by the Legal Services Authorities/Committees as per the local conditions and needs, for settlement of both pre-litigation and post-litigation cases.
National Lok Adalats are conducted quarterly for settlement of cases (both pre-litigation and post-litigation) in all the courts from the Supreme Court of India to the Taluk Courts on a single day. Every year, National Legal Services Authority issues calendar for organising National Lok Adalats. During the year 2025, National Lok Adalats are scheduled to be held on 8th March, 10th May, 13th September and 13th December.
Permanent Lok Adalats are permanent establishments set up in most of the districts to provide compulsory pre-litigative mechanism for settlement of disputes related to Public Utility Services.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Central and Wan Chai from this Friday to Sunday (April 4 to 6) to facilitate the holding of a triathlon event.
A. Road closure
The following roads will be closed:
(1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:
Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central.
(2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:
– Yiu Sing Street; – Eastbound Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Fleming Road, including the slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass tunnel from Wan Chai to North Point; – Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Tim Wa Avenue; – Northbound Lung Tat Path; – Lung Hop Street; – Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and Lung Wo Road; – Part of the traffic lanes of the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to Central District; – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Man Yiu Street; – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Finance Street; – Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and westbound Yiu Sing Street; – Part of the traffic lane of southbound Man Yiu Street near Lung Wo Road; – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Lung Wo Road between Tim Wa Avenue and Man Yiu Street; – Part of the traffic lanes of northbound Fleming Road between westbound Convention Avenue and eastbound Lung Wo Road; – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Hung Hing Road near Fleming Road; – The slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel leading to the exit of Lung Wo Road; and – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Convention Avenue near northbound Fleming Road.
B. Traffic diversions
In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
(1) From 10am on April 4 to 0.59am on April 5 and 2.01pm on April 5 to 0.59am on April 6:
Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Expo Drive East.
(2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:
– Traffic along westbound Man Kwong Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via southbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to Admiralty or Mid-levels via eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via the slip road of eastbound Man Po Street heading to westbound Finance Street, westbound Finance Street, temporary exit connecting Finance Street and Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Connaught Road Central and eastbound Harcourt Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via eastbound Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road and eastbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Cheung Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road cannot turn right to northbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street; – Traffic along eastbound Yiu Sing Street and southbound Yiu Sing Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along northbound Legislative Council Road cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road, vehicles will be diverted via southbound Legislative Council Road, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Chief Executive’s Office via southbound Tim Wa Avenue will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central, u-turn, eastbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Tim Wa Avenue; – Traffic along eastbound Lung Wui Road cannot turn left to northbound Lung Hop Street; – Traffic along westbound Fenwick Pier Street cannot turn right to northbound Lung Hop Street. Vehicles will be diverted via Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along westbound Convention Avenue heading to westbound Lung Wo Road via northbound Lung Tat Path will be diverted via Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along southbound Expo Drive East heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; and – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Central Pier or Finance Street via Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street.
C. Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas
All parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on the following roads will be suspended:
(1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:
All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive.
(2) From 10pm on April 4 to 2pm on April 5 and from 10pm on April 5 to 6pm on April 6:
– All metered parking spaces on Yiu Sing Street and Lung Hop Street; – Lay-bys on westbound Lung Wo Road near City Hall and near Central Barracks; and – Lay-by on Edinburgh Place near City Hall.
All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.
The Police will implement the special arrangements depending on the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists should exercise patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
New Commandant of HKAPF appointed (with photo) The appointment was made by the Chief Executive to succeed the retiring Commandant, Mr Yang Joe-tsi, PDSM.
Mr Leung, aged 57, is the Chief Operating Officer of a multinational engineering corporation. He joined the HKAPF as a Constable in August 1989 and was promoted to Superintendent (Auxiliary) in February 2014, Senior Superintendent (Auxiliary) in November 2016 and Chief Superintendent (Auxiliary) in October 2017. Mr Leung was appointed as the Deputy Commandant of HKAPF by the Chief Executive on October 11, 2021.
Mr Leung has a wide range of operational and management experience. He was awarded the Long Service Medal for Auxiliary Police in 2004, the First Clasp in 2014 and a TIDERIDER medal in 2021. Issued at HKT 18:08
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has undertaken following steps to prevent misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds:
Development of citizen centric Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile App with various facilities including reporting of suspected fraud communications.
Development of online secure Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for sharing of information related to misuse of telecom resources among the stakeholders.
Development of a system in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers that appear to be originating within India.
DoT has undertaken following measures to act against the issue of misuse of mobile connections:
Development of AI based tool to identify the suspected mobile connections taken on fake documents. 78 lakh such mobile connections have been disconnected after reverification.
Policy instructions for re-verification of existing mobile connections identified by DoT/ TSPs/ Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
Mandated telecom licensees to register their Point of Sale (PoS) {Franchisee, Distributors & Agents}, who enroll customers and issue SIMs on their behalf.
Biometric verification, physical verification of address of place of business & local residence of PoS. Further, police verification of PoS in J&K, Assam & North East License Service Areas (LSAs).
Blacklisting of PoS across all the TSPs if documents/ information given by PoS is false/ forged & on the directions of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)/ Licensed Service Areas (LSAs).
Robust Know Your Customer (KYC) process for SIM Swap/ replacement.
Discontinuation of paper based KYC process.
Monthly audit on sample basis for the SIM cards issued by TSPs for compliance of guidelines.
This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. Issued at HKT 17:01
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. Issued at HKT 16:28
The Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, is being held in New Delhi from 01st Apr to 04th April 2025. During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership comprehensively deliberated upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. In addition, the conference also focused on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of Niche technologies and assessment of impact of the various existing global situations. The main highlight of the third day of the conference was the address by the Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, to the senior leadership of the Indian Army, which was preceded by a brief on the “Year of Reforms”.
The Raksha Mantri reaffirmed the faith of the billion-plus citizens in the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country. He highlighted the commendable role played by the Army in guarding our borders and fighting terrorism apart from providing assistance to the civil administration in every need of hour. The Raksha Mantri also remarked “The Army is present in every domain from Security, HADR, Medical Assistance, to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country. The role of Indian Army isincomparablein Nation building as also in the overall national development”. He reiterated his happiness to be present in the Army Commander’s conference and complimented the Army leadership for successfully taking ahead the ‘Defence and Security’ vision of the Nation to new heights. He also complimented the Indian Army’s approach on the infusion and absorption of cutting edge technology.
The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stressed upon the present Geo Strategic uncertainties and the complex world situation which effects everyone globally. He stressed upon that the present world is an inter connected world and such incidents whether happening in our neighbourhood or far off countries will effect everyone. He stated that “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that Armed Forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies”. Raksha Mantri stated that keeping in mind the present dynamic geo-strategic changes and the ongoing global security scenarios with the uncertainities the armed forces should prepare adynamic perspective planningaddressing both the long term and short term challenges. In the present global context the importance of Military Intelligence incoporating the modern technology cannot be stressed upon more.
On the current situation along the Northern borders, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri expressed full confidence in the troops and complemented the Armed Forces for standing firm and vigil and the same should continue. The Raksha Mantri complimented the efforts of BRO, which has led to the quantum improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions.
Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, however the proxy war by the adversary continues. The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri said “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should remain”.
The Raksha Mantri complimented the forces for the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities which he has always been experiencing first hand during his visits to forward areas. He also paid tributes to all the bravehearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. He complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies and also emphasised upon the important role of Defence Attaches in achieving the same. We must delibrate on the re-orintentation of role of the Defence Attaches in line with the organisational aim.
The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stressed upon the technological advancement taking place in every sphere of our life and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them. He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of ‘ Modernisation through Indigenisation’ or‘Atamnirbharta’. He emphasised that a regular interface of Armed Forces with the emerging technologies is a must. Raksha Mantri commended on the initiative of discussions being done with Niti Ayog on achieving the aim of‘Viksit Bharat’during this Army Commander Conference. He also remarked that the government is committed in every manner towards the welfare of the Veterans and the Next of Kin of all categories of Battle Casualties and the nation remains indebted to the sacrifices made by vallant soldiers and their family.
He concluded by saying that issues related to “Defence diplomacy, indigenisation, information warfare, defence infrastructure and force modernisation should always be deliberated upon in such a forum. Doctrinal changes whenever required should be made to make the Armed Forces future ready. The recommendation and suggestions made by the senior leadership in such like forum as Commanders Conference should be deliberated upon and be taken to a logical conclusion with midcourse review and modification if required. The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitate the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation”.
2. Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)
The decisions of the LIBE, TRAN and AGRI committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations had been announced on 31 March 2025 (minutes of 31.3.2025, item 7).
A request for a vote in Parliament had been formulated by the PfE, ECR, The Left and ESN groups pursuant to Rule 72(2), on the following decision by the LIBE Committee:
– Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an EU talent pool (2023/0404(COD))
The vote would take place the next day, 3 April 2025.
A request for a vote in Parliament had been formulated by the PfE Group pursuant to Rule 72(2), on the following decision by the AGRI Committee:
– Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on fodder plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on beet seed-producing crops and oil plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine (2024/0027(COD))
The vote would take place the next day, 3 April 2025.
As there had not been any requests for a vote in relation to the other decisions pursuant to Rule 72(2), the committees responsible had been able to begin negotiations upon expiry of the deadline.
3. European Steel and Metals Action Plan (debate)
Council and Commission statements: European Steel and Metals Action Plan (2025/2633(RSP))
Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statements.
The following spoke: Dennis Radtke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Dan Nica, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julie Rechagneux, on behalf of the PfE Group, Elena Donazzan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Bas Eickhout, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marina Mesure, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Christian Ehler, Mohammed Chahim, Tomasz Buczek, Beatrice Timgren, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Sara Matthieu, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Rudi Kennes, Susana Solís Pérez, Yannis Maniatis, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Letizia Moratti, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Jens Geier, Michael Bloss, Angelika Winzig, Nicolás González Casares, Ondřej Krutílek, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Tilly Metz, Elena Sancho Murillo, Valentina Palmisano and Adam Jarubas.
IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE Vice-President
The following spoke: Bruno Tobback, Beata Szydło, who also answered a blue-card question from Petr Bystron, Massimiliano Salini and Majdouline Sbai.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Dariusz Joński, Jonás Fernández, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Brigitte van den Berg, Ana Miranda Paz and Maria Zacharia.
The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné and Adam Szłapka.
The President made some clarifications on the organisational arrangements of the debate, as a new format was being trialled.
Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Wouter Beke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Giorgio Gori, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jana Nagyová, on behalf of the PfE Group, Mariateresa Vivaldini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Brigitte van den Berg, on behalf of the Renew Group, Benedetta Scuderi, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Anthony Smith, on behalf of The Left Group, Markus Buchheit, on behalf of the ESN Group, Dan Nica, András Gyürk, Daniel Obajtek, Anna Stürgkh, Per Clausen, Anja Arndt, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Kateřina Konečná, Radan Kanev, Jens Geier, who also answered a blue-card question from Davor Ivo Stier, Mélanie Disdier, who also answered a blue-card question from Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Kris Van Dijck, Mirosława Nykiel, Bruno Gonçalves, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Barbara Bonte, Marc Botenga, Tom Berendsen, Nicolás González Casares, Raffaele Stancanelli, Alexandr Vondra, Seán Kelly, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Milan Mazurek, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Niels Fuglsang, Georg Mayer, Diego Solier, Sofie Eriksson, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Thomas Geisel and Christian Ehler.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Krzysztof Hetman, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Katri Kulmuni, Majdouline Sbai and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné.
Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate: minutes of 3.4.2025, item I.
The debate closed.
Vote: 3 April 2025.
IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA President
5. Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem – Statement by the President
Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem – Statement by the President (2025/2649(RSP))
The President made the statement.
The following spoke: Loucas Fourlas, on behalf of the PPE Group, Costas Mavrides, on behalf of the S&D Group, Afroditi Latinopoulou, on behalf of the PfE Group, Geadis Geadi, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Group, Reinier Van Lanschot, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, and René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group.
The debate closed.
(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)
6. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 12:07.
7. Voting time
For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.
7.1. Guidelines for the 2026 budget – Section III (vote)
Report on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2026 budget, Section III – Commission [2024/2110(BUI)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteur: Andrzej Halicki (A10-0042/2025)
The debate had taken place on 31 March 2025 (minutes of 31.3.2025, item 12).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0051)
The following had spoken:
Michał Dworczyk, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 12. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.
(‘Results of votes’, item 1)
7.2. Agreements on Financial Mechanisms for the period May 2021 – April 2028 (EEA: EU-Iceland-Liechtenstein-Norway; Norwegian: EU-Norway); Additional Protocols to EEC-Norway Agreement and to EEC-Iceland Agreement *** (vote)
Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union, Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway on an EEA Financial Mechanism for the period May 2021 – April 2028, the Agreement between the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union on a Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the period May 2021 – April 2028, the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway and the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and Iceland [10005/2024 – C10-0103/2024 – 2024/0052(NLE)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Željana Zovko (A10-0036/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION
Approved (P10_TA(2025)0052)
Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreements and protocols.
(‘Results of votes’, item 2)
7.3. Protocol on the Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) *** (vote)
Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029) [12475/2024 – C10-0108/2024 – 2024/0159(NLE)] – Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Eric Sargiacomo (A10-0028/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION
Approved (P10_TA(2025)0053)
Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.
The following had spoken:
Before the vote, Eric Sargiacomo (rapporteur) to make a statement on his reports on the basis of Rule 165(4).
(‘Results of votes’, item 3)
7.4. Protocol on the Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) (Resolution) (vote)
Report containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Implementing Protocol (2024–2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau [2024/0159M(NLE)] – Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Eric Sargiacomo (A10-0040/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0054)
(‘Results of votes’, item 4)
7.5. EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Agreement: cooperation between Eurojust and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters *** (vote)
Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Agreement between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters [COM(2024)0299 – 2024/0167(NLE)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Jaroslav Bžoch (A10-0027/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION
Approved (P10_TA(2025)0055)
Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.
(‘Results of votes’, item 5)
7.6. Strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement * (vote)
Report on the proposal for a Council regulation on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement [COM(2024)0316 – C10-0112/2024 – 2024/0187(CNS)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Malik Azmani (A10-0041/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO THE COUNCIL
Approved as amended (P10_TA(2025)0056)
(‘Results of votes’, item 6)
7.7. Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024 (vote)
Report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy – 2024 annual report [2024/2080(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: David McAllister (A10-0010/2025)
The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 9).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0057)
(‘Results of votes’, item 7)
7.8. Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 (vote)
Report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 [2024/2082(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (A10-0011/2025)
The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 9).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0058)
(‘Results of votes’, item 8)
7.9. Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (vote)
Report on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 [2024/2081(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Isabel Wiseler-Lima (A10-0012/2025)
The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 10).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0059)
The following had spoken:
Bernard Guetta, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 4. Parliament had agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.
(‘Results of votes’, item 9)
(The sitting was suspended at 13:41.)
IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK Vice-President
8. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 13:45.
9. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.
10. Social Europe: making life affordable, protecting jobs, wages and health for all (topical debate)
The following spoke: Marie Toussaint to open the debate proposed by the Verts/ALE Group.
The following spoke: Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Nikolina Brnjac, on behalf of the PPE Group, Gabriele Bischoff, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Lara Magoni, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jana Toom, on behalf of the Renew Group, Katrin Langensiepen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Li Andersson, on behalf of The Left Group, Maravillas Abadía Jover, Estelle Ceulemans, Valérie Deloge, Marlena Maląg, Irena Joveva, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Leila Chaibi, Maria Zacharia, Tomislav Sokol, Camilla Laureti, Pál Szekeres, Georgiana Teodorescu, Eugen Tomac, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Martins, Jan-Peter Warnke, Regina Doherty, Idoia Mendia, Isabella Tovaglieri, Francesco Torselli, Hristo Petrov, Gordan Bosanac, João Oliveira, Marc Angel, Mélanie Disdier, Nora Junco García, Engin Eroglu, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Marit Maij, Dick Erixon, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Jaak Madison and Johan Danielsson.
The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.
The debate closed.
11. European oceans pact (debate)
Council and Commission statements: European oceans pact (2025/2610(RSP))
Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statements.
IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU Vice-President
The following spoke: Gabriel Mato, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, António Tânger Corrêa, on behalf of the PfE Group, Veronika Vrecionová, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Isabelle Le Callennec, André Rodrigues, France Jamet, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Nikolas Farantouris, Carmen Crespo Díaz, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Annalisa Corrado, André Rougé, Ana Vasconcelos, Sebastian Everding, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Nicolás González Casares, Séverine Werbrouck, who also answered a blue-card question from Christophe Clergeau, Emma Wiesner, Jessica Polfjärd, Željana Zovko, Francisco José Millán Mon and Fredis Beleris.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Ana Miguel Pedro, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Ana Miranda Paz, Lukas Sieper, Nina Carberry, Thomas Bajada, João Oliveira, Giuseppe Lupo and Sofie Eriksson.
The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.
The debate closed.
12. Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)
Council and Commission statements: Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (2025/2631(RSP))
Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statements.
The following spoke: Zoltán Tarr, on behalf of the PPE Group, Csaba Molnár, on behalf of the S&D Group, Tamás Deutsch, on behalf of the PfE Group, Jacek Ozdoba, on behalf of the ECR Group, and Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), and Tineke Strik, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group.
IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA Vice-President
The following spoke: Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Marc Angel, Paolo Borchia, Paolo Inselvini, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Daniel Freund, Ilaria Salis, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Enikő Győri, Milan Uhrík, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Ľuboš Blaha, who also answered a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Monika Hohlmeier, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Krzysztof Śmiszek, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Jacek Ozdoba, Ondřej Knotek, Moritz Körner, Kim Van Sparrentak, Tomasz Froelich, Lukas Sieper, Michał Wawrykiewicz, who also answered a blue-card question from Ernő Schaller-Baross, Chloé Ridel, Fabrice Leggeri, Sigrid Friis, Mélissa Camara, who also answered a blue-card question from Jacek Ozdoba, Reinhold Lopatka, who also answered a blue-card question from Daniel Freund, Evin Incir, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Rasmus Nordqvist, Regina Doherty, Matjaž Nemec, András László, who also answered a blue-card question from András Tivadar Kulja, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut and Dóra Dávid, who also answered a blue-card question from Annamária Vicsek.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Maria Walsh, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Csaba Dömötör and Dainius Žalimas.
The following spoke: Lukas Sieper, concerning what certain speakers had said.
The following spoke: Michael McGrath.
The debate closed.
13. The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security (debate)
Council and Commission statements: The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security (2025/2609(RSP))
Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.
The following spoke: Jens Gieseke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Johan Danielsson, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roman Haider, on behalf of the PfE Group, Roberts Zīle, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Merja Kyllönen, on behalf of The Left Group, and Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group.
IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ Vice-President
The following spoke: Dariusz Joński, Sérgio Gonçalves, Julien Leonardelli, Georgiana Teodorescu, Valérie Devaux, Stanislav Stoyanov, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Sophia Kircher, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca, François Kalfon, Rody Tolassy, Mario Mantovani, Thomas Geisel, Borja Giménez Larraz, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Ondřej Krutílek, Elena Nevado del Campo, Ştefan Muşoiu, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Aurelijus Veryga, Nikolina Brnjac, Piotr Müller and Kosma Złotowski.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Sandra Gómez López, Annamária Vicsek, Antonella Sberna, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, João Oliveira, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos and Francisco José Millán Mon.
The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The debate closed.
14. Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome (debate)
Council and Commission statements: Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome (2025/2636(RSP))
Jessika Roswall (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.
The following spoke: Christine Schneider, on behalf of the PPE Group, César Luena, on behalf of the S&D Group, Mireia Borrás Pabón, on behalf of the PfE Group, Michele Picaro, on behalf of the ECR Group, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jutta Paulus, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Carola Rackete, on behalf of The Left Group, Sérgio Humberto, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Antonio Decaro, Michal Wiezik, Pär Holmgren and Manuela Ripa.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Seán Kelly and João Oliveira.
The following spoke: Jessika Roswall.
The debate closed.
15. Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (debate)
Council and Commission statements: Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (2025/2611(RSP))
Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.
IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE Vice-President
The following spoke: Zoltán Tarr, on behalf of the PPE Group, Murielle Laurent, on behalf of the S&D Group, Elisabeth Dieringer, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alessandro Ciriani, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hristo Petrov, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alice Kuhnke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Estrella Galán, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Mazurek, on behalf of the ESN Group, Loránt Vincze, Francisco Assis, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Georgiana Teodorescu, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Tomáš Zdechovský, Marcos Ros Sempere, Reinhold Lopatka and Juan Fernando López Aguilar.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Silvia Sardone, Isabella Tovaglieri, Katrin Langensiepen and João Oliveira.
The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.
The debate closed.
16. Composition of committees and delegations
The non-attached Members had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of the committees and delegations:
– Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee: Grzegorz Braun
– Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly: Kateřina Konečná
The decisions took effect as of that day.
17. Threat to freedom of expression in Algeria: the five-year prison sentence of French writer Boualem Sansal (debate)
Commission statement: Threat to freedom of expression in Algeria: the five-year prison sentence of French writer Boualem Sansal (2025/2655(RSP))
Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Céline Imart, on behalf of the PPE Group, Emma Rafowicz, on behalf of the S&D Group, Gilles Pennelle, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bernard Guetta, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group.
The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.
The debate closed.
18. Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)
(For the titles and authors of the motions for resolutions, see minutes of 3.4.2025, item I.)
18.1. Prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior, Tsi Conrad
Motions for resolutions B10-0230/2025, B10-0231/2025, B10-0232/2025, B10-0233/2025, B10-0234/2025, B10-0235/2025, B10-0236/2025 and B10-0237/2025 (2025/2627(RSP))
Tomáš Zdechovský, Marta Temido, Catarina Vieira, Rima Hassan and Silvia Sardone introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.
The following spoke: Hannes Heide, on behalf of the S&D Group, and Marco Tarquinio.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).
The debate closed.
Vote: 3 April 2025.
18.2. Execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani
Motions for resolutions B10-0220/2025, B10-0222/2025, B10-0224/2025, B10-0225/2025, B10-0226/2025 and B10-0228/2025 (2025/2628(RSP))
Danuše Nerudová, Francisco Assis, Veronika Vrecionová, Helmut Brandstätter, Hannah Neumann and Matthieu Valet introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.
The following spoke: Milan Zver, on behalf of the PPE Group, Daniel Attard, on behalf of the S&D Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, Davor Ivo Stier and Evin Incir.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Tiago Moreira de Sá.
The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).
The debate closed.
Vote: 3 April 2025.
18.3. Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee
Motions for resolutions B10-0218/2025, B10-0219/2025, B10-0221/2025, B10-0223/2025, B10-0227/2025 and B10-0229/2025 (2025/2629(RSP))
Miriam Lexmann, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Helmut Brandstätter, Mārtiņš Staķis and Merja Kyllönen introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.
The following spoke: Michał Szczerba, on behalf of the PPE Group, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Dainius Žalimas, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Petar Volgin, on behalf of the ESN Group.
The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).
The debate closed.
Vote: 3 April 2025.
19. Explanations of vote
19.1. Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024 (A10-0010/2025 – David McAllister) (oral explanations of vote)
Petar Volgin
19.2. Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 (A10-0011/2025 – Nicolás Pascual de la Parte) (oral explanations of vote)
Kathleen Funchion, Lynn Boylan
19.3. Written explanations of vote
Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.
20. Agenda of the next sitting
The next sitting would be held the following day, 3 April 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.
21. Approval of the minutes of the sitting
In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.
22. Closure of the sitting
The sitting closed at 21:27.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT
I. Motions for resolutions tabled
Prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior, Tsi Conrad
The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0230/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Rima Hassan on behalf of The Left Group
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0231/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Tomasz Froelich, Alexander Sell, Petr Bystron on behalf of the ESN Group
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0232/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Catarina Vieira, Mounir Satouri, Maria Ohisalo, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0233/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marta Temido on behalf of the S&D Group
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0234/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Silvia Sardone, Susanna Ceccardi, Roberto Vannacci, Nikola Bartůšek on behalf of the PfE Group
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0235/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar on behalf of the Renew Group
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0236/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Sebastião Bugalho, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Miriam Lexmann, Inese Vaidere on behalf of the PPE Group
on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0237/2025) (2025/2627(RSP)) Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alexandr Vondra, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Ivaylo Valchev, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński on behalf of the ECR Group
Execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani
The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:
on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0220/2025) (2025/2628(RSP)) Hannah Neumann, Mounir Satouri, Erik Marquardt, Catarina Vieira, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mélissa Camara, Maria Ohisalo on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on the execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0222/2025) (2025/2628(RSP)) Matthieu Valet, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Nikola Bartůšek, Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone on behalf of the PfE Group
on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0224/2025) (2025/2628(RSP)) Helmut Brandstätter, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Abir Al-Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Bart Groothuis, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar on behalf of the Renew Group
on the execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0225/2025) (2025/2628(RSP)) Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Daniel Attard, Evin Incir on behalf of the S&D Group
on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0226/2025) (2025/2628(RSP)) Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Aurelijus Veryga, Assita Kanko on behalf of the ECR Group
on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0228/2025) (2025/2628(RSP)) Sebastião Bugalho, Loucas Fourlas, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Inese Vaidere on behalf of the PPE Group
Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee
The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:
on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0218/2025) (2025/2629(RSP)) Merja Kyllönen on behalf of The Left Group
on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0219/2025) (2025/2629(RSP)) Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Mounir Satouri, Lena Schilling, Markéta Gregorová, Catarina Vieira, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Ville Niinistö, Sergey Lagodinsky on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0221/2025) (2025/2629(RSP)) Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Robert Biedroń on behalf of the S&D Group
on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0223/2025) (2025/2629(RSP)) Adam Bielan, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Michał Dworczyk, Maciej Wąsik, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alexandr Vondra, Assita Kanko, Aurelijus Veryga, Rihards Kols, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Ivaylo Valchev, Roberts Zīle on behalf of the ECR Group
on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0227/2025) (2025/2629(RSP)) Michał Kobosko, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas on behalf of the Renew Group
on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the investigative Committee (B10-0229/2025) (2025/2629(RSP)) Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Dariusz Joński, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Tomáš Zdechovský, Inese Vaidere on behalf of the PPE Group
II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))
Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament
– Commission Delegated Regulation correcting certain language versions of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/857 supplementing Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying a standardised methodology and a simplified standardised methodology to evaluate the risks arising from potential changes in interest rates that affect both the economic value of equity and the net interest income of an institution’s non-trading book activities (C(2025)01555 – 2025/2614(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 17 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation correcting the Dutch language version of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems (C(2025)01614 – 2025/2625(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 24 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: TRAN
– Commission Delegated Regulation correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/273 as regards the import of wine originating in Canada (C(2025)01628 – 2025/2617(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 19 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: AGRI
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the methodology for calculation and verification of rates for recycling efficiency and recovery of materials from waste batteries, and the format for the documentation (C(2025)01674 – 2025/2621(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 21 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: ENVI opinion: ITRE, IMCO
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the elements that a financial entity has to determine and assess when subcontracting ICT services supporting critical or important functions (C(2025)01682 – 2025/2623(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 24 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) amending Regulation (EU) No 691/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards investments on climate change mitigation and introducing the classification of environmental purposes (C(2025)01777 – 2025/2643(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 26 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans by setting out the elements of the scoreboard for the Reform and Growth Facility (C(2025)01810 – 2025/2651(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 1 month from the date of receipt of 28 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: AFET, BUDG
– Commission Delegated Regulation correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/126 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council with additional requirements for certain types of intervention specified by Member States in their CAP Strategic Plans for the period 2023 to 2027 under that Regulation as well as rules on the ratio for the good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) standard 1 (C(2025)01846 – 2025/2652(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 31 March 2025
referred to committee responsible: AGRI opinion: ENVI
Draft delegated act for which the period for raising objections had been extended
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1122 supplementing Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the functioning of the Union Registry C(2025)00814 – 2025/2562(DEA)
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 11 February 2025
Extension of the deadline for raising objections: 2 months at the request of the Council
referred to committee responsible: ENVI opinion: ITRE
III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)
Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament
– Commission Regulation (EU) amending Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 as regards requirements for the import of used cooking oil (D098112/02 – 2025/2615(RPS) – deadline: 18 June 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cyantraniliprole, cyflumetofen, deltamethrin, mefentrifluconazole, mepiquat and oxathiapiprolin in or on certain products (D102376/03 – 2025/2626(RPS) – deadline: 26 May 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards carcinogens, germ cell mutagens or reproductive toxicants subject to restrictions (D102504/02 – 2025/2607(RPS) – deadline: 11 June 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI opinion: ITRE, IMCO
– Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for amidosulfuron, azoxystrobin, hexythiazox, isoxaben, picloram, propamocarb, sodium silver thiosulfate and tefluthrin in or on certain products (D105252/02 – 2025/2622(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for chlorpropham, fuberidazole, ipconazole, methoxyfenozide, S-metolachlor and triflusulfuron in or on certain products (D105253/03 – 2025/2624(RPS) – deadline: 25 May 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the inclusion of Naringenin and 2‐methyl‐1‐(2‐(5‐(p‐tolyl)‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)piperidin‐1‐yl)butan‐1‐one in the Union list of flavourings (D105330/02 – 2025/2620(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sodium ascorbate (E 301) in vitamin A preparations intended for infant formula and follow-on formula (D105364/02 – 2025/2619(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1803 as regards International Financial Reporting Standards 1, 7, 9 and 10, and International Accounting Standard 7 (Text with EEA relevance) (D105674/01 – 2025/2616(RPS) – deadline: 11 June 2025) referred to committee responsible: ECON opinion: JURI
IV. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions
In accordance with Article 31(1) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 02/2025 – Section III – Commission.
In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the European Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 02/2025 – Section III – Commission.
In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve transfer of appropriations 1-DEC/2025 – Section IV – Court of Justice.
In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve transfer of appropriations DEC-01/T/2025 – Section V – Court of Auditors.
In accordance with Articles 31 and 49 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations 1-DEC – Section IV – Court of Justice.
In accordance with Articles 31 and 49 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations V/DEC-01/T/25 – Section V – Court of Auditors.
V. Documents received
The following documents had been received from other institutions:
– Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 03/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0011/2025 – C10-0050/2025 – 2025/2066(GBD)) referred to committee responsible: BUDG
– Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 04/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0012/2025 – C10-0053/2025 – 2025/2068(GBD)) referred to committee responsible: BUDG
Liverpool City Council has passed a motion highlighting the growing dangers of ketamine use among young people.
Brought forward by Councillor Lynnie Hinnigan and seconded by Councillor Harry Doyle, the motion reflects the Council’s commitment to protecting community health and wellbeing. At the meeting, Councillor Lynnie Hinnigan gave a powerful and heartfelt speech, calling for urgent action.
Liverpool has always been a city of resilience and strength, but we must now face a growing threat to our kids, a threat at pandemic levels.
Ketamine described as the heroin of the 80’s, I fear it’s much worse, and what I’m seeing terrifies me.
Ketamine, once considered a niche party drug, has now become dangerously mainstream. Liverpool, like many cities across the UK, has seen a worrying rise in ketamine use, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Reports from local health services and youth workers suggest that this drug is more accessible than ever before, and one young person told me, it’s hard you just can’t escape it, it’s everywhere. It is cheap, easy to get hold of, and often mixed with other substances, making it even more unpredictable.
When I was young, we clubbed together for a bottle of Woodpecker cider, when my daughter was 15 it had moved on to Glen’s vodka, now kids as young as 12 are pooling their pocket money to buy a drug that kills.
The physical and mental health risks of ketamine are severe. Unlike some other drugs, ketamine doesn’t just cause addiction it causes irreversible damage. Frequent use leads to severe bladder problems, including a condition called ‘ketamine bladder syndrome,’ which can result in lifelong incontinence and, in extreme cases, the need for surgery in the form, quite often, a stoma bag for life.
Mental health services in our city are also reporting an increase in young people experiencing anxiety, depression, and dissociation due to ketamine use. This is a catch-22 drug, because after a short period, once hooked, it’s not the buzz that makes young people keep taking it, it’s the only thing that can effectively manage the intense pain.
But this isn’t just about individual health. The rise of ketamine use is affecting our entire community. Schools are struggling with students who are disengaged and suffering from the cognitive effects of the drug.
Families are being torn apart as parents struggle to cope with children whose personalities are changing due to prolonged use. And our local emergency services, already under immense pressure are dealing with more ketamine-related incidents, from overdoses to violent outbursts caused by intoxication.
Social media has also played a dangerous role in glamorising ketamine use. Platforms like TikTok and Snapchat are filled with videos of young people ‘k-holing’, a terrifying state of dissociation and paralysis that some now see as entertainment. This online culture is normalising drug use and making it seem like a harmless joke when it’s a direct route to addiction, long-term harm and, in some cases, death.
Last week I attended, with work colleagues, the first ever ketamine addiction support session facilitated by the Lifeboat Project in North Liverpool, and it broke my heart. The participants, some in recovery, some still using, shared their stories, the pain and fear for their futures. How a 20-year-old beautiful young woman admitted to a room of strangers how she had to wear adult pull-ups, didn’t want to die, and was going to leave the session and reuse as she couldn’t cope with the pain.
As a Council, we have a duty to act. We need stronger public health education programmes in schools to warn young people about the dangers of ketamine before they even consider trying it. We need to educate parents, so they know the signs to look out for. We need increased funding for youth services to help those already affected.
And we must work closely with Merseyside Police to crack down on the dealers who are pushing this drug onto our streets.
The government need urgently to reclassify this drug to Class A, introducing harsher penalties for those dealing to our kids.
Liverpool is a city that cares for its own. We cannot allow ketamine to steal the futures of our young people. The time for action is now. I urge this council to prioritise this issue, to invest in education and support services, and to send a clear message that ketamine has no place in our city.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)
Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17) and Don Beyer (VA-08) reintroduced the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act to establish 18-year term limits on any Supreme Court Justices approved after the bill is signed into law.
Current justices would be exempt from the term limits. Going forward, the bill would then create a regular appointment process to allow every president to nominate a new justice to the Supreme Court during each odd year, guaranteeing each president the opportunity to nominate two justices per four-year term.
An Annenberg Public Policy Center poll found that 68% of Americans support term limits for Supreme Court Justices. A Fox News poll found that 78% of Americans support an 18-year term limit for the justices.
“The public’s trust in the Supreme Court has plummeted. Extreme conservatives on the Court have stripped away Americans’ fundamental rights,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “Term limits and a binding code of ethics will rebalance the Court and rebuild confidence in our institutions. I’m proud to have led this effort with Rep. Beyer and my colleagues.”
“Rampant, blatant ethics violations and increasing politicization have made it clear that the U.S. Supreme Court is broken – and that reform is urgently needed to restore Americans’ faith in the integrity of the Court,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Our legislation would restore meaningful balance and public trust in our nation’s highest Court by establishing term limits and ending lifetime tenures.”
“Rep. Khanna’s and Rep. Beyer’s legislation obligating senior status for future Supreme Court justices after 18 years on the high court is both constitutional and prudent,” said Gabe Roth, Executive Director, Fix the Court. “The Court itself has upheld the creation of senior status in the lower courts, and no one in a democracy should serve in such a powerful position as justice for 30-plus years as is now the norm. (It’s a fitting moment to introduce the bill since just last month, Justice Breyer followed in the footsteps of many retired justices before him and heard cases on a lower federal court.) At a time when poll after poll shows the American people are hungry for change at the Supreme Court, I applaud Reps. Khanna and Beyer for once again demonstrating that Congress can assert its Article I power to set reasonable constraints for what’s become a woefully antiquated and unaccountable institution.”
The English-language track will be distributed on major global streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack, targeting both African and international audiences. According to industry analysts, the release aligns with growing market interest in content addressing historical narratives from an African perspective.
The single explores the economic and social impacts of colonialism on the continent while highlighting the resilience of African communities. The track features a fusion of traditional Guinean rhythms with contemporary production techniques, establishing a commercial appeal while maintaining cultural authenticity.
“This song examines our shared history while looking toward economic justice and development,” Kamano said in a statement. “I wanted to create art that not only entertains but stimulates meaningful discussion about Africa’s place in the global economic system.”
The release coincides with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” which has generated significant policy discussions across the continent.
Kamano, whose previous releases have accumulated over 12 million streams globally, drew inspiration for the single from historical documentation in The New York Times regarding the 1944 Thiaroye massacre in Senegal, where West African soldiers were killed by colonial troops after World War II.
“Thiaroye can become the foundation of a pan-African consciousness, uniting all African countries that lost citizens in this tragedy,” said Mamadou Diop, Senegalese historian and Director of African Studies at Columbia University, regarding the historical events that influenced the composition.
On March 21, 2025, pan-African representatives and civil society organizations convened in Dakar to examine potential frameworks for addressing historical economic imbalances. The summit produced a detailed report outlining specific economic metrics and proposed accountability mechanisms.
CAJ News Africa’s decision to host the single’s presentation reflects the media company’s strategic expansion into cultural content with historical and economic significance, according to industry observers. The agency has recently increased investment in multimedia platforms by 35% compared to fiscal year 2024.
“We’re facilitating conversations that connect cultural expression with economic discourse,” said Savious Kwinika, Director of Research at CAJ Africa. “This presentation allows us to highlight how creative industries can contextualize complex historical narratives within contemporary market frameworks.”
Financial analysts note that the global market for content exploring historical African narratives has grown 28% annually since 2023, with particularly strong performance in streaming and digital distribution channels.
The presentation will include a panel discussion featuring economists and cultural analysts examining how artistic expression intersects with ongoing policy dialogues regarding economic development and international relations. The track will be available for purchase and streaming on all major platforms at 00:01 GMT on April 5, 2025.
About CAJ News Africa
CAJ News Africa is a leading pan-African media agency providing business, technology, and cultural news across the continent. Established in 2008, the agency operates bureaus in 18 African countries and maintains strategic partnerships with global media organizations.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford (R-FL-05) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) reintroduced H.R. 1773,the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act,to increase penalties for robbing or burglarizing Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) dealers. They were joined by 42 additional cosponsors in the House.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), there were over 361 burglaries and robberies of FFL dealers in 2023. During this period, 4,802 firearms were stolen, an 11% increase over 2022. Many of these firearms later show up at crime scenes.
“As crime rises across the nation, additional steps must be taken to prevent criminals from stealing and trafficking firearms,” saidRutherford. “Criminals burglarize FFL dealers then traffic those stolen firearms and use them to commit crimes. As a former sheriff and lifelong member of law enforcement, I know the threat these stolen firearms pose to the safety and security of our communities. That’s why I am proud to reintroduce the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act to ensure those who rob and burglarize federally licensed gun dealers face harsher penalties for committing these crimes.”
“Our gun laws should protect law-abiding citizens exercising their 2nd Amendment rights, but throw the book at violent criminals and illegal firearm traffickers,” said Golden. “By increasing penalties on those who steal guns from licensed sellers, the bipartisan Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act will deter gun thieves and clamp down on the black market. That’s bad news for criminals, and good news for upstanding American gun owners.”
“This bipartisan legislation is what true gun safety looks like. Congress is sending a clear message that the safety of our communities is nonnegotiable and targeting firearm retailers to steal guns in order to commit further crimes is intolerable,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF. “The firearm industry is grateful to Congressmen John Rutherford and Jared Golden for reaching across the aisle to provide those firearm retailers who follow the law the protection they deserve. This legislation assigns the responsibility for crime where it belongs – with the criminal. These are real solutions that make our communities safer.”
Penalties would include a minimum sentence of three years in prison for burglary and five years in prison for robbery. Additionally, this legislation would double the statutory maximum penalty for stealing a firearm from a FFL’s inventory from 10 to 20 years.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives John H. Rutherford (R-FL-05), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) reintroduced H.R. 2094, the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act, in the House. Senators Ashley Moody (R-FL) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) also introduced companion legislation the U.S. Senate.
This bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish a new home loan program, modeled after the successful Veterans Affairs (VA) loan program, under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to make homeownership more accessible for teachers and first responders by eliminating some of the requirements for first-time homebuyers, like down payments and monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
“As a former sheriff and member of law enforcement, I know how important it is to have law enforcement officers living in the communities they serve,” saidRep. Rutherford. “However, due to today’s competitive housing market, many of our nation’s first responders and educators face financial obstacles that prevent them from buying a home. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the bipartisan, bicameral HELPER Act with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to make homeownership a reality for law enforcement officers, teachers, paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters. We all would greatly benefit from calling these civil servants our neighbors.”
“Our first responders, nurses, and teachers work every day to strengthen and secure our communities,” saidRep.Watson Coleman. “It’s no wonder they’re some of the most trusted professions in America. Yet many of them struggle to purchase their first homes and set down roots in the towns and cities they serve. It’s time we eliminated the barriers that make it so difficult for our teachers and frontline workers to secure housing, and the HELPER Act does just that.”
“Our first responders and educators dedicate their lives to serving our communities, yet many struggle to afford homes in the neighborhoods they protect and teach in,” said Rep.Garbarino. “The HELPER Act would address this challenge by creating a targeted home loan program to help these essential workers achieve homeownership. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to ensure those who serve our communities can also afford to live in them.”
“After working tirelessly to look after our families and communities, our cops, paramedics, firefighters, and teachers shouldn’t have to struggle with housing. That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan, bicameral HELPER Act, which will help lower the barriers to homeownership for those who devote their lives and careers to service,” saidRep.Gottheimer. “I’ll always fight to lower costs and to make life more affordable for our hardworking families.”
“Florida is the most pro law enforcement state in the nation,” saidSen.Moody. “Over the past six years, while many other states and cities disparaged and cut funding for law enforcement, I fought for raises, bonuses, relocation assistance, and other benefits to show these officers that we value their service. The HELPER Act is the next great step in ensuring these heroes know we appreciate their hard work and sacrifices. It will also help them purchase a home in the community where they serve. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I see firsthand the sacrifices made each day. Standing up for the LEO community will always be a top priority of mine, and I am proud that my first bill in the U.S. Senate will help them make their dream of homeownership a reality.”
“I’m working across the aisle to support Georgia’s teachers, first responders, and law enforcement officers by making homeownership more affordable for public servants who teach our kids and protect our families,” saidSen.Ossoff.
“The HELPER Act is a crucial step in supporting the brave men and women who serve as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers—workers who are struggling to afford their first homes despite their dedication to our communities. This legislation helps make homeownership more accessible for these critical public servants and provides local governments with an important tool to recruit and retain them. I’m grateful for the leadership of U.S. Representatives Rutherford, Watson Coleman, Garbarino, and Gottheimer, and U.S. Senators Moody, Ossoff, Cassidy, and Warnock in advancing this vital legislation.” said SamuelP.Royer, the original champion behind the HELPER Act and founder and president of Salute Home Loans.
The HELPER Act would:
Create a one-time-use home loan program through FHA for law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), paramedics, and pre-K through 12 teachers who are first-time homebuyers
Eliminate a down payment requirement on a mortgage
Remove a monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) requirement
Require an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) to ensure the solvency of the program
The HELPER Act has also received support from the following organizations: American Association of State Troopers (AAST), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Troopers Coalition (NTC), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) among others.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of a proactive investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Detectives arrested a 39-year-old man [A] on Tuesday, 1 April at an address in north west London on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation, preparation for acts of terrorism and being involved in a funding arrangement for the purposes of terrorism.
Officers also arrested a 35-year-old man [B] at an address in west London on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation.
The investigation relates to Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation under UK counter terrorism legislation. The investigation is largely focused on activity overseas, as well as activity within the UK. At this time, there is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public .
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “Terrorism and terrorists have a global reach and impact and the activities of terrorist groups overseas can harm communities here in the UK as well as causing devastation to those abroad.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, but I hope that these arrests show we will take robust action against anyone here whom we suspect as being involved in terrorist activity regardless of whether their activity is focused here in the UK or elsewhere.”
The two men were taken to a London police station, and have since been released on bail until a date in mid-July.
Searches were carried out at five addresses – two in North West London, one in West London, one in South West London and one in Essex – and these are now complete.
Enquiries continue
+ Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, then trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/ACT or call police in confidence on 0800 789 321.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07) have introduced the Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act, a bipartisan bill to allow the Secret Service to reimburse local law enforcement and fire departments for the assistance they have provided protecting President Trump when he is at his residence in Palm Beach. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the Town of Palm Beach Police Department, and the City of West Palm Beach Police Department anticipate a total of $45 million in expenses incurred by the end of 2025 for protection of President Trump at the direction of the U.S. Secret Service.
“Protecting the President is a matter of national security and should be a federal responsibility to bear the costs,” said Rep. Frankel. “Diverting funds for presidential security can strain local governments’ ability to provide essential public services. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Kean, Jr., to ensure that local governments are fully reimbursed for these necessary costs.”
“The Secret Service relies on strong collaboration with local law enforcement to fulfill its mission effectively,” said Rep. Kean. “Currently, much of that responsibility falls on small-town taxpayers and local budgets. We must ensure our local law enforcement has the resources they need to do their job successfully. That is why I am reintroducing this commonsense legislation—to ensure the necessary funding is readily available to support every security operation.”
“At the request of the federal government, Palm Beach County has consistently stepped up to ensure that President Trump has the best security protection available anytime he is in residence in our community,” said Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino. “We consider it an honor to serve and protect our President; however, our tax paying community cannot continue to foot the bill for this very costly service. We need help and relief from this significant local financial impact that is projected to cost over $45 million by fiscal year end.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Lawmakers: “These Actions Are Not Just Illegal and Wasteful, They Run Counter To Our Interests of Promoting Free Expression, Combating Censorship”
Washington, DC – Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security and Department of State (NSRP) and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, led a bicameral letter urging United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO Victor Morales and Special Advisor Kari Lake to rescind the Trump administration’s illegal actions to dismantle the agency, terminate grants for several government-funded outlets worldwide, and place Voice of America and other federal staff on administrative leave.
“Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill.”
The lawmakers continued, “These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back.”
“We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives,” the lawmakers concluded.
In addition to Frankel and Schatz, the letter was signed by Democratic members of the their respective committees including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), as well as U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.).The full text of the letter is available here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Nikema Williams (GA-5), and Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3) introduced a resolution recognizing March 25th, 2025, as Equal Pay Day to underscore the disparity between wages paid to men and women. The resolution raises awareness of the gender wage gap and its impact on women, families, and the nation, while reaffirming Congress’ commitment to supporting equal pay for equal work.
“Equal pay is not only a matter of fairness and justice—it’s essential for creating a more equitable and prosperous world,” said Rep. Frankel. “For the first time in over two decades, the gender wage gap widened this past year, setting women back instead of continuing to push forward. For generations, women have received unequal pay for equal work, disproportionately occupied jobs in low-paying industries, and been forced to leave the workforce altogether due to lack of affordable child care. It’s long past time Congress took the necessary steps to close the wage gap.”
“Equal Pay Day marks how far into the current year a woman must work to catch up to what her male counterpart earned in the previous year,” said Rep. DeLauro. “Six decades after passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women working full-time or part-time still earn 75 cents for every dollar earned by men. We are in a cost-of-living crisis – this must end. Equal pay for equal work is a simple concept – men and women in the same job deserve the same pay. It is time we make it real for the millions of American women who are being unfairly undervalued in the workplace. Let’s enact the Paycheck Fairness Act and empower working women by giving them the tools to ensure their contributions to the workplace are properly respected and reflected in their pay.”
“For the first time in more than two decades, the gender wage gap has widened, hitting Black women and women of color the hardest. Equal pay is more than a women’s issue, it is a matter of economic justice and racial justice,” said Rep. Williams. “When women are paid less for the same work, families suffer, communities struggle, and our economy falls short. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution to reaffirm our commitment to closing the gender wage gap and fully realizing the promise of the Equal Pay Act of 1963.”
“It’s been61 years since we passed the Equal Pay Act. And we still don’t have equal pay?! It keeps getting worse because there isn’t a mechanism to fight this discrimination. Every member of the DWC is a proud cosponsor of Rep. DeLauro’s Paycheck Fairness Act so women can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “We are fighting for legislation to guarantee wage transparency so women know when they’re being paid less for the same work. We are fighting for paid leave for all so that no woman has to choose between their paycheck and caring for their loved ones. This is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a matter of dignity. We believe in a world where you can balance your work and your family without losing the job that sustains you.”
“Women today continue to face too many obstacles in the workplace, and the wage gap is just one of those barriers. When you look at all workers, both those who are full-time and part-time, women being paid just 75 cents for every dollar a man is paid is simply unacceptable and has a significant impact on the economic stability of women and their families,” said Jocelyn C. Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “The ability to support a family and earn a good living should be accessible for every worker. Closing the wage gap would help women workers make huge strides towards getting there. Thank you to Congresswoman Lois Frankel and all of our champions in Congress for drawing needed attention to the need for pay equity on this year’s Equal Pay Day.”
More than six decades after passage of the Equal Pay Act, women working full-time, year-round, still earn on average 83 cents for every dollar made by men, while women overall—including part-time and seasonal workers—are paid just 75 cents for every dollar paid to men, averaging much less for women of color. Black women only earn 66 cents, American Indian and Alaska Native women 58 cents, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders 65 cents, and Latinas 58 cents for every dollar earned by men. For a woman working full-time, year-round, the current wage gap represents a loss of more than $462,000 over the course of her career, a gap that widens dramatically for women of color. The wage gap impacts women’s ability to save for retirement and their total Social Security and pension benefits, contributing to more older women living in poverty.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has rolled back critical workplace protections, opening the door for greater wage disparities and weakening longstanding safeguards for women seeking fair pay. This includes rescinding a nearly 60-year-old executive order that prohibited government contractors from discriminating in their hiring, firing, promotion, or pay practices—further disadvantaging women, particularly women of color, who already face barriers to equal wages. He also illegally dismissed two commissioners from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), tasked with preventing and addressing employment discrimination based on sex, gender, and other factors.
The resolution currently has 126 original cosponsors. It is supported by several advocacy groups, including the National Partnership for Women & Families, the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Equal Rights Advocates, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the National Organization for Women, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), the National Employment Law Project, One Fair Wage, Justice for Migrant Women, the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), and Family Values @ Work.
A man has been jailed after being found guilty of raping two teenagers he met at a central London train station.
Abdul-Majed Saif, 30 (13.11.94) of Great West Road, Hounslow was sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday, 1 April – he was also ordered to serve a further six-and-a-half years on licence. Saif had been found guilty of nine counts of rape in relation to two 14-year-olds following the conclusion of a trial at the same court on 31 January.
The court had heard how Saif had met the two teenagers in Victoria train station on 28 April 2024. He offered them cannabis and convinced them to go back to his house in Osterley where he raped them.
After the teenagers reported the incident to police and identified Saif’s address, Saif was quickly arrested on 2 May 2024. He denied the offences and was released on bail while an investigation was undertaken. Forensic evidence, coupled with the testimonies of the two teenagers, built a compelling body of evidence and Saif was subsequently charged and convicted of multiple offences.
Both teenagers were supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation.
Detective Constable Stephen Gayfer from the West Area Command Unit who led the investigation said: “I want to thank both survivors in this case for coming forward and helping to get a dangerous predator like Saif off the streets. The abuse he has put these children through is absolutely sickening and is something which will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives.
“I don’t underestimate the immense courage it took for them to come forward and speak to police and I’d like to commend them on their strength throughout our investigation.
“It is possible that Saif has preyed on others and I’d encourage anyone who has been abused by this man to reach out and get in touch with us. You will be supported and you will be listened to.”
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Reeves, Head of Public Protection at West Area, said: “Saif is a dangerous predator. The lengthy term of imprisonment he has been given reflects the very serious nature of the harm that he has caused to these young people. They have been incredibly courageous in coming forward.
“Officers in our dedicated Rape and Serious Sexual Offences teams work tirelessly to pursue the offenders who target vulnerable children. We are determined to secure justice for child victims of sexual exploitation.”
Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through the warm sand, only to find a cigarette butt. Gross, right?
This disturbing scene is typical of coastal pollution in Australia. But fortunately our new research shows the problem is getting better, not worse. Over the past ten years, the amount of waste across Australian coastal cities has reduced by almost 40%. We’re also finding more places with no rubbish at all.
We surveyed for debris in and around six Australian urban areas between 2022 and 2024. Then we compared our results to previous surveys carried out a decade ago. We found less coastal pollution overall and reset a new baseline for further research.
Our study shows efforts to clean up Australia’s beaches have been working. These policies, practices and outreach campaigns have reduced the extent of pollution in coastal habitats near urban centres. But we can’t become complacent. There’s plenty of work still to be done.
One of the many beaches surveyed by CSIRO. TJ Lawson
What we did
In Australia, three-quarters of the rubbish on our coasts is plastic. Even cigarette butts are mainly made of plastic.
To tackle the pollution effectively, we need to understand where the waste is coming from and how it gets into the environment.
Research has shown much of the coastal debris comes from local inland areas. Poor waste management practices can result in debris eventually making its way through rivers to the coast and out to sea.
We focused on urban areas because high population density and industrial activity contributes to waste in the environment. We examined six areas across Australia:
Perth in Western Australia
Port Augusta in South Australia
Hobart in Tasmania
Newcastle in New South Wales
Sunshine Coast in Queensland
Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
These places represent a starting point for the national baseline. At each location we studied sites on the coast, along rivers and inland, within a 100 kilometre radius.
We inspected strips of land 2m wide. This involved two trained scientists standing in an upright position looking downward, slowly walking along a line surveying for debris items. Together they captured information about every piece of debris they came across, including the type of material and what it was originally used for (where possible).
What we found
On average, we found 0.15 items of debris per square metre of land surveyed. That’s roughly one piece of rubbish every five steps.
Plastic was the most common type of waste. But in many cases it was unclear what the item was originally used for. For example, fragments of hard plastic of unknown origin were found in a quarter of all surveyed areas.
Polystyrene fragments were the most common item overall (24% of all debris fragments). Other frequently encountered items included food wrappers or labels, cigarette butts, and hard plastic bottle caps or lids.
We found more waste near farms, industry and disadvantaged areas.
The types of waste varied among cities. For example, cigarette butts were the most prevalent items in Newcastle, Perth and the Sunshine Coast. But food wrappers and beverage cans were more prevalent in Port Augusta and Alice Springs, respectively.
Hobart had the highest occurrence of beverage bottles and bottle fragments.
The most common type of waste varied among cities. CSIRO
Targeting problem items
Identifying the different types of litter in the environment can help policymakers and waste managers target specific items and improve waste recovery.
Research has shown container deposit legislation, which enables people to take eligible beverage containers to a collection point for a refund, has reduced the number of beverage containers in the coastal environment by 40%. Hobart did not have a container deposit scheme in place at the time of our survey.
Plastic bag bans can reduce bag litter. Now polystyrene food service items are becoming increasingly targeted by policymakers.
Hobart had the highest occurrence of beverage bottles and bottle fragments. Caroline Bray
Making progress
When we compared our results to the previous survey from 2011-14 we found a 39% decrease in coastal debris. We also found 16% more areas where no debris was present.
Our results support previous research that found an ongoing trend towards less waste on Australian beaches.
We think our research demonstrates the effectiveness of improved waste management policies, campaigns such as the “Five R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, then Recycle” – as well as clean-up efforts.
It’s likely that increased awareness is making a big dent in the problem. But reducing the production of plastic, and invoking changes further up the supply chain, would likely further help reduce mismanaged waste in the environment.
Implications for the future
Measuring and monitoring litter can inform policymaking and waste management. Our research serves as a benchmark for evaluating and informing future efforts to reduce plastic waste.
We are heartened by the findings. But continued effort is needed from people across government, industry and Australian communities. Everyone needs to address how we produce, use and dispose of plastic for a cleaner and healthier planet.
Australians are increasingly aware of the need to keep the coastal environment free of litter. Qamar Schuyler
As part of her role at CSIRO, Stephanie Brodie receives funding the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Britta Denise Hardesty received funding for this work from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. Shell Australia previously provided funding for this research via Earthwatch Australia for surveys and citizen science projects carried out between 2011 and 2014.
