Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
The Auckland Northern Motorway is partially blocked heading southbound near the Wilks Road Overbridge following a crash.
The crash, involving multiple vehicles, was reported just before 11:20am.
Two people have been moderately injured.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Great South Road, Penrose is closed at the intersection with Southdown Road following a crash.
The three-vehicle crash was reported to Police just after 2pm.
Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Motorists are advised to expect delays after a crash on Waioeka Road (SH2) this evening.
Emergency services were called to the scene, between Waiata Road and Waioeka Pa Road, about 5.30pm, after a truck rolled.
One person has sustained minor injuries. The road is completely blocked and has been closed.
Anyone travelling through the area is advised to take an alternate route, or expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson:
Hamilton Police have made an arrest in relation to the death of a man, and wounding of a second man, on Beatty Street in Melville yesterday.
A 41-year-old man sought by Police was arrested this morning and is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court on Monday.
He is charged with murder and with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The injured man remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance, and continue to ask for anyone with information or CCTV of the incident, in the early hours of yesterday, to contact the enquiry team.
You can contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz and clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 250315/0371.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Sergeant Simon Evans:
Police are appealing for witnesses to a suspicious fire in Huntly overnight.
Emergency services were called to a commercial premises on Great South Road, just south of Alder Lane, about 1:30am.
Police, together with Fire and Emergency NZ, are back at the scene today conducting a scene examination.
As part of our inquiries, Police are seeking any witnesses to what happened.
If you can help, you can contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz and clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.
Please reference file number 250316/3289.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Whangārei Police have charged a man in relation to a homicide in the city yesterday.
Emergency services were called to a Norfolk Street property yesterday evening, where a man had died.
Another man, known to the victim, was arrested at the property and has now been charged with murder.
The 53-year-old is due to appear in Whangārei District Court tomorrow.
A scene examination is ongoing at the property.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Please attribute to Inspector Peter Raynes of Tāmaki Makaurau Police:
One person has died, and two others have been critically injured, after a driver allegedly fled from Police and crashed early this afternoon.
Shortly before 2pm, a Police vehicle sighted a car travelling at excess speed along Great South Road, Penrose, and signalled for it to stop.
It failed to do so and instead fled, crashing with two other cars.
The driver of the vehicle which allegedly failed to stop was transported to hospital in a critical condition.
One person from one of the other vehicles died at the scene, while another was also critically injured.
Another person was in moderate condition.
The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene, and the road remains closed.
A Critical Incident Investigation has been launched and staff are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
We are also working to support those affected and their families, as well as our staff who were involved.
Police have also referred this matter to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: South Australia Police
Police are investigating the death of a man at North Adelaide this morning.
About 7.45am on Sunday 16 March, police and paramedics responded to reports of a man collapsed on a walking path within Brougham Gardens between Brougham Place and King William Road.
A 54-year-old man from Marden was found unresponsive when police arrived.
Paramedics commenced CPR at the scene before he was rushed to hospital but sadly, the man died.
Eastern District Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death with assistance of Major Crime officers and Forensic Response.
A postmortem is expected to be carried out tomorrow.
Anyone who was in the vicinity of O’Connell Street or Brougham Gardens between 6am and 8am this morning is asked to contact police.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.
Paris-based global media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has recalled that 20 journalists were killed during the six-year Philippines presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, a regime marked by fierce repression of the press.
Former president Duterte was arrested earlier this week as part of an International Criminal Court investigation into crimes against humanity linked to his merciless war on drugs. He is now in The Hague awaiting trial.
The watchdog has called on the administration of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to take strong measures to fully restore the country’s press freedom and combat impunity for the crimes against media committed by Duterte’s regime.
“Just because you’re a journalist you are not exempted from assassination, if you’re a son of a bitch,” Rodrigo Duterte said in his inauguration speech on 30 June 2016, which set the tone for the rest of his mandate — unrestrained violence against journalists and total disregard for press freedom, said RSF in a statement.
During the Duterte regime’s rule, RSF recorded 20 cases of journalists killed while working.
Among them was Jesus Yutrago Malabanan, shot dead after covering Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war for Reuters.
Online harassment surged, particularly targeting women journalists.
Maria Ressa troll target
The most prominent victim was Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the news site Rappler, who faced an orchestrated hate campaign led by troll armies allied with the government in response to her commitment to exposing the then-president’s bloody war.
Media outlets critical of President Duterte’s authoritarian excesses were systematically muzzled: the country’s leading television network, ABS-CBN, was forced to shut down; Rappler and Maria Ressa faced repeated lawsuits; and a businessman close to the president took over the country’s leading newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, raising concerns over its editorial independence.
“The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is good news for the Filipino journalism community, who were the direct targets of his campaign of terror,” said RSF’s Asia-Pacific bureau director Cédric Alviani.
“President Marcos and his administration must immediately investigate Duterte’s past crimes and take strong measures to fully restore the country’s press freedom.”
The repression carried out during Duterte’s tenure continues to impact on Filipino journalism: investigative journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio has been languishing in prison since her arrest in 2020, still awaiting a verdict in her trial for “financing terrorism” and “illegal possession of firearms” — trumped-up charges that could see her sentenced to 40 years in prison.
With 147 journalists murdered since the restoration of democracy in 1986, the Philippines remains one of the deadliest countries for media workers.
The republic ranked 134th out of 180 in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index.
Source report from Reporters Without Borders. Pacific Media Watch collaborates with RSF.
Source: South Australia Police
Police are investigating the death of a man at North Adelaide this morning.
About 7.45am on Sunday 16 March, police and paramedics responded to reports of a man collapsed on a walking path between Brougham Place and King William Road.
The man was unresponsive when police arrived.
Paramedics commenced CPR at the scene and was then rushed to hospital but sadly, the man died.
Eastern District Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area early this morning and noticed anything suspicious to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
WASHINGTON – Jevaughn Mark, 33, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in connection with a conspiracy that distributed large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine in the metropolitan area, and included the sale of fentanyl that resulted in the December 2023 deaths of two District men.
Mark, aka “Ledo,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2025.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Mark had been charged with eight counts of unlawful distribution (of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin) and distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl between January 10, 2024, and March 13, 2024. The charges stemmed from six controlled purchases in which undercover DEA and MPD taskforce officers (UC-DEA/MPD) contacted Mark and purchased narcotics. In each instance, the UC-DEA/MPD agents requested to buy “Special K” or ketamine. In every instance, he supplied a mixture of fentanyl and other substances, including heroin, but not ketamine.
After obtaining an indictment, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mark’s primary residence and recovered two firearms, cocaine, fentanyl, about $38,000 in cash, body armor vests, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
On June 13, 2024, Jevaughn Mark was charged in a second superseding indictment in connection with distributing fentanyl and cocaine on December 26, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of two men, Brandon Román and Robert Barletta, at their home in Northwest Washington. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Mark admitted to causing the death of both individuals by selling “ketamine” (which was actually fentanyl) to one victim who shared the drugs with the other victim. Both men were found unresponsive the day after Mark sold them the “ketamine.”
The case is being investigated by the DEA’s Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Dan Seidel, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) section.
24cr143
Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia
Issued for KATARAPKO ISLAND approximately 10 km from Berri in the Riverland, South Australia.
The CFS, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, Department for Environment and Water, SA Police and SA State Emergency Services are responding to multiple ignitions near Katarapko Island.
Firefighters on approximately 26 trucks, supported by aircraft and boats, are on scene working to quickly extinguish the blazes.
The cause of the fires is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators have been notified.
Smoke may be impacting communities and roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.
Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.
Message ID 0008374
Source: Tasmania Police
GLENORCHY MAN CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE THEFTS
Sunday, 16 March 2025 – 8:48 am.
Taskforce Saturate have arrested and charged a 31-year-old Glenorchy man with 19 thefts across the greater Hobart area.
The arrest on Saturday occurred as a result of a targeted operation over several weeks. He has also been charged with multiple breaches of bail and failing to appear in Court.
The thefts were committed over a three-month period, and consisted primarily of electric scooters, electric bicycles, and bicycles that were secured in areas accessible to the public.
The total value of the property stolen is just under $60,000.
Taskforce Saturate has located a quantity of stolen property as a result of the investigation and resultant search yesterday and will be conducting further enquiries regarding ownership.
The man was detained and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police investigating the homicide in Kaikohe have filed a murder charge.
Emergency services were called to a Mangakahia Road property yesterday morning, where a man located with stab wounds eventually died at the scene.
A man taken into custody at the time has now been charged with murder.
The 44-year-old will appear in Kaikohe District Court tomorrow [Monday].
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 15 MAR 2025 7:04PM by PIB Delhi
INS Imphal completed her port visit to Mauritius and left Port Louis on 14 Mar 25. The ship was at Mauritius to participate in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations, representing India with a marching contingent, the Indian Navy band and flypast by two MH 60R helicopters. Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister was the Chief Guest at the spectacular parade.
During the port visit, the ship also held several professional interactions, cultural engagements, sports fixtures and community outreach activities to further strengthen the robust bonds between the two countries.
Training capsules were conducted onboard the ship for Mauritius National Coast Guard (NCG) personnel on practical aspects of harbour and sea watchkeeping, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure), force protection, shipborne helicopter operations, firefighting and damage control.
A medical camp for the elderly at Gayasingh Ashram was also conducted by the ship’s crew.
The ship was opened to the public on 12 March on the occasion of Mauritius National Day and saw over 1,300 visitors.
The ship’s crew visited key security establishments at Port Louis, including the Mauritius Police and NCG Headquarters.
Capt Kamal K Choudhury, the ship’s Commanding Officer, called on key dignitaries and high-ranking officials of the Mauritius Government and Mauritius Police Force (MPF).
The ship hosted a deck reception along with the High Commission of India, that was attended by senior ministers and officials from Mauritius and members of local diplomatic corps.
After her departure from Port Louis, INS Imphal undertook a bilateral Passage Exercise and Joint EEZ surveillance with MCGS Victory, to consolidate the synergy and collaboration between the Indian Navy and the National Coast Guard of Mauritius.
This landmark deployment of INS Imphal provided a renewed impetus to the robust bilateral ties between the two nations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to act swiftly as the ‘First Responder’ and the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ to address maritime challenges in the IOR.
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VM/SKS 58/25
(Release ID: 2111518) Visitor Counter : 82
Source: Government of India (2)
The seed planted today in the form of Lachit Barphukan Police Academy will one day grow into a banyan tree, and will serve the cause of policing in the entire country
The saga of great warrior Lachit Barphukan was once limited to Assam, but under the Modi government, his biography is now available in 23 languages in libraries across the country
In Assam, once known for movements, insurgency, and gunfights, efforts are underway to establish a semiconductor industry worth ₹27,000 crore
The double-engine government has increased the conviction rate in Assam from 5 per cent to 25 per cent
In Assam, the police, which were once limited to fighting terrorism, are now working to protect the rights of citizens
Earlier, Assam was plunged into the flames of riots, keeping the region in a state of unrest, however, under the Modi government, peace has been established here, and with world-class infrastructure, large industries are now being set up
Posted On: 15 MAR 2025 5:15PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam. On this occasion, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and many other dignitaries were present.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that in the next 5 years, the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy will be ranked first among all police academies across the country. He mentioned that Assam’s brave warrior and legendary, Lachit Barphukan, had led Assam to victory against the Mughals. He further stated that saga of bravery of Lachit Barphukan was once kept limited to Assam, but due to the efforts of the Modi Government, today his biography has been translated into 23 languages and is available in libraries across the country for children. Shri Shah praised the Assam government for ensuring that the entire nation learns about and draws inspiration from this great son of Assam. He added that the seed planted today in the form of the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy would one day grow into a banyan tree, and will serve the cause of policing in the entire country. It will be an apex police academy not only for Assam but for entire Northeast, similar to Kashi among pilgrimage sites; the site will be a new beginning for peace in the region
Shri Amit Shah said that the first phase of the Lachit Barphukan Academy has been completed at a cost of ₹167 crore, and a total of ₹1050 crore will be spent on all three phases. He mentioned that the academy is equipped with several state-of-the-art facilities and will become the best police academy in the entire country. He further highlighted that earlier, Assam’s police had to go to other states for training, but in the last 8 years, under the state’s governance, such a transformation has taken place that now, 2,000 police personnel from Goa and Manipur have received training at this police academy.
Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Assam is now progressing on the path of development. He mentioned that in the last 10 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, several peace agreements have been signed: the Assam-Bodoland Agreement in 2020, the Karbi Anglong Agreement in 2021, the Tribal Peace Agreement in 2022, and the ULFA, Assam-Meghalaya, and Assam-Arunachal Agreements in the year 2023. Shri Shah stated that as a result of these peace agreements made by the Modi government, more than 10,000 youths have laid down their weapons and joined the mainstream. He added that in Assam, once known for movements, insurgency, and gunfights, efforts are underway to establish a semiconductor industry worth ₹27,000 crore.
Shri Amit Shah said that a recent investment and infrastructure conference named Advantage Assam 2.0 was held in Assam, where MoUs worth ₹5.18 lakh crore were signed, and most of these MoUs will be implemented on the ground. He further mentioned that the Modi government is bringing infrastructure projects worth ₹3 lakh crore for the development of Assam. He emphasized that these projects, totaling ₹8 lakh crore, will create a large number of employment opportunities for the youth of Assam.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that during the 10 years of the previous government’s rule, Assam received a devolution grant and grant-in-aid of ₹1.27 lakh crore, which has been increased fourfold to₹4.95 lakh crore in Prime Minister Modi’s 10 years. He further stated that the previous governments had pushed Assam into the fire of riots for many years, did not provide grants, failed to set up proper education systems, did not build infrastructure, and did not allow peace to prevail.Shri Shah said that during Prime Minister Modi’s 10-year tenure, infrastructure has been developed, peace has prevailed, and various industries have been established. He mentioned several projects undertaken by the Modi government, including the Bharat Mala project, which is more than 200 kilometers long and worth ₹10,000 crore, the Dhubri-Phulwari bridge worth ₹3,000 crore, rural roads spanning 3,700 kilometers at a cost of ₹3,400 crore, and the four-laning of the Silchar-Churaibari corridor. Additionally, he highlighted the work being done on a new embankment and road on Majuli Island worth ₹1,000 crore. He further stated that a six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River is under construction, and at a cost of ₹382 crore, National Highway 715-K is connecting Majuli and Jorhat. He also mentioned the expansion of an airport named after Gopinath Ji at a cost of ₹1,100 crore, the inauguration of ₹9,000 crore worth of railway projects, a ₹1,000 crore AIIMS project, and the establishment of medical colleges in Tamulpur, Kokrajhar, Nalbari, and Dhubri, along with many other infrastructure projects under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government and the Assam government have carried out several welfare programs for the poor. He mentioned that for the first time, tap water was provided to 58 lakh homes, free treatment up to ₹5 lakh was provided to 1.8 crore people, toilets were built in 43 lakh homes, 2.32 crore poor people were given 5 kilograms of free rice per person every month, and the Modi government and Assam government also provided 51 lakh gas cylinders and 21 lakh houses.
Union Home Minister said that the Modi government has not only made efforts to bring peace to Assam but has successfully established it. He mentioned that the Modi government has built infrastructure, and now, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, an investment of ₹5 lakh crore is coming into the state, which will lay the foundation for a golden future for the youth of Assam. He further stated that the conviction ratio in Assam has increased from 5 per cent to 25 per cent. He highlighted that earlier, people did not want to file FIRs because the police were only seen as fighting against terrorists, but today, the police are focused on protecting the rights of citizens and effectively implementing the three new criminal laws introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
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RK/VV/ASH/PS
(Release ID: 2111498) Visitor Counter : 65
Source: Amnesty International –
Itai Dzamara is a journalist and pro-democracy activist who was forcibly disappeared ten years ago on 9 March 2015 after he criticized the Zimbabwean government about the deteriorating economic conditions in the country. He has not been seen or heard from since and his fate and whereabouts remain unknown. Ten years on, Itai’s wife, Sheffra, has shared her story with Amnesty International
Everyone knew Itai Dzamara as a journalist and pro-democracy activist who was forcibly disappeared on 9 March 2015 after he criticised the Zimbabwean government.
Itai was my husband and best friend. He was a great father to our two children Nokutenda and Nenyasha. He was always there for us making sure that we are happy.
Itai was amazing. He loved to eat sadza (staple food made from white corn) and fish, and would cook it for us on Sundays after church. He used to play soccer on weekends, and he was a big fan of Manchester United. Itai would always wear his Man U jersey whenever they played matches.
My husband was a kind man. He had people at heart, and that is what led him to write a petition to Zimbabwe’s then-president Robert Mugabe on 17 October 2014, demanding he step down. Following this petition, police arrested Itai and fellow activists and interrogated them for eight hours at Harare Central police station. Itai was fighting for every Zimbabwean regardless of political parties.
The man who stood against former President Mugabe
The Constitution of Zimbabwe and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which the country is a state party guarantee the right to peaceful assembly. When Itai started these peaceful protests, the Zimbabwe Republic Police would beat and arrest him and his colleagues.
Their group, Occupy Africa Unity Square, would hold peaceful protests at a public park opposite Zimbabwe’s parliament building. At one protest in November 2014, police beat Itai until he collapsed. Then they kept on beating him while he was unconscious. He was admitted for treatment for his injuries for two weeks.
9 March 2015, the day Itai was abducted, was a normal day.
He went to the barbershop at 9am wearing black shorts and his Manchester United jersey. Looking back at that morning, there are so many things I wish I had said to him. As I was preparing his breakfast for when he returned, my brother came running in, and told me that my husband was taken from the barbershop, by men driving a white Isuzu with no registration number.
When I heard this, fear engulfed me. I knew that it was an abduction. It was bad, I started shaking and crying. I did not know what to do or who to call, but I wanted to hear the facts directly from the people who witnessed the abduction. I took my daughter and put her on my back – she was two years old then – and went straight to the barbershop. When I arrived, I was still shaking. Even the barber and his colleague were shaking too as they told me what happened.
“They told me the whole thing was like a movie.”
It was very fast. Five men walked in and said they were looking for a cattle thief. While Itai was perplexed, the men grabbed him and said they were taking him to the police to be questioned. Itai has not been seen since then.
I walked back from the barber like a zombie. I felt the whole world falling down on me. My head was spinning. I was not myself; I was confused and did not know what to do. I was shattered. I wanted to scream and cry but when I looked at my daughter and son, I knew I had to control myself.
I got home and changed my clothes, not realizing that I was wearing my skirt inside out. That’s how confused I was. I left my kids with my sister, and went with Itai’s brother Patson, and our lawyer to report the case to the police, who promised to investigate.
When I returned home around 6pm, I was afraid to go through the gate thinking maybe the abductors would come back and abduct us as well. I had to be strong for my kids. I did not sleep that night. My heart was pounding so hard. At 4am, I left the house and went to the barbershop hoping, praying that maybe, they would have brought him back, but he was not there.
The next day, my kids and I were taken to an organization where we stayed for a month for our safety. I lost weight from fasting and praying for my husband to be released from his abductors. I could not eat or sleep. My heart was always beating fast. I would cry at night so that my kids didn’t t see me.
10 years later and everyone is still asking ‘where is Itai?’
Life has not been the same since Itai was abducted. The last 10 years have been hard. I am reminded of him every time I look at my kids because both look like their dad. It hurts not to have Itai in my life and to see my kids missing him and growing up without a father who loved them so dearly. I don’t have any answers, but I feel blessed to have my two kids. When I look at them l feel God’s grace.
The police never came back to give any update. As far as I know, they never even investigated the case. They were not interested in finding Itai. Even the Zimbabwe High Court order could not get the police find my husband or tell us what happened to him.
As a family we did everything to get answers. For the past 10 years the government of Zimbabwe has ignored my requests and turned a blind eye to the demand for answers by everyone including friends, activists, civil society organizations, media and the international community.
I will not stop asking until I know the fate and whereabouts of my husband.
I wish for Itai to one day walk through the front door and hug me and the kids or to wake up to find that this was all a bad dream. If I must live without him, then I need answers, I need to know where he is.
Source: Amnesty International –
Reacting to the acquittal of 45 members of the Saturday Mothers, prosecuted after their 700th peaceful vigil for their forcibly disappeared loved ones was banned and violently dispersed in August 2018, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Europe, Dinushika Dissanayake said:
“Almost seven years after the Saturday Mothers’ 700th peaceful vigil was violently broken up by riot police, 45 people standing trial for participating in the vigil have finally been acquitted and their ordeal ended. A prosecution that should have never seen the light of day, dragged on for years.
For more than one thousand Saturdays, the Saturday Mothers have become a powerful symbol of the importance of peaceful protest
“The authorities must draw the necessary conclusion from this long-awaited outcome: Saturday Mothers/People have the right to meet on Galatasaray Square every Saturday to demand justice for their disappeared loved ones. We call on the Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya to ensure that all ongoing restrictions on the Square are lifted immediately and permanently.
“For more than one thousand Saturdays since 1995, the Saturday Mothers and their supporters have become a powerful symbol of the importance of peaceful protest. We must defend this right even in the face of crackdown, violence, detention and prosecutions.”
Background
Members of the Saturday Mothers/People are relatives of victims of enforced disappearances during the 1980s and 1990s who have been holding a peaceful vigil every Saturday at the same spot since May 1995. The 700th vigil, on 25 August 2018, was subject to a ban by the Beyoğlu district governor on the spurious grounds that the authorities had not been notified 48 hours prior to the vigil.
Police broke up the vigil using tear gas and water cannons and detained 46 people who were later released but indicted two years later in 2020 on the charge of “attending illegal meetings and marches without weapons and not dispersing despite warning.” The first hearing in the trial, initially of 46 people, took place in March 2021. In 2024, one of the 46 defendants was separated from the case because of their absence from the trial proceedings. If found guilty, the 45 defendants could each have faced up to three years in prison.
Source: Amnesty International –
The 45 protesters were prosecuted after their 700th peaceful vigil for their forcibly disappeared loved ones was banned and violently dispersed in 2018
This was a “prosecution that should have never seen the light of day, dragged on for years”- Dinushika Dissanayake
Reacting to the acquittal of 45 members of the Saturday Mothers, prosecuted after their 700th peaceful vigil for their forcibly disappeared loved ones was banned and violently dispersed in August 2018, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Europe, Dinushika Dissanayake said:
“Almost seven years after the Saturday Mothers’ 700th peaceful vigil was violently broken up by riot police, 45 people standing trial for participating in the vigil have finally been acquitted and their ordeal ended. A prosecution that should have never seen the light of day, dragged on for years.
“The authorities must draw the necessary conclusion from this long-awaited outcome: Saturday Mothers/People have the right to meet on Galatasaray Square every Saturday to demand justice for their disappeared loved ones. We call on the Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya to ensure that all ongoing restrictions on the Square are lifted immediately and permanently.
“For more than one thousand Saturdays since 1995, the Saturday Mothers and their supporters have become a powerful symbol of the importance of peaceful protest. We must defend this right even in the face of crackdown, violence, detention and prosecutions.”
Saturday Mothers
Members of the Saturday Mothers/People are relatives of victims of enforced disappearances during the 1980s and 1990s who have been holding a peaceful vigil every Saturday at the same spot since May 1995. The 700th vigil, on 25 August 2018, was subject to a ban by the Beyoğlu district governor on the spurious grounds that the authorities had not been notified 48 hours prior to the vigil.
Police broke up the vigil using tear gas and water cannons and detained 46 people who were later released but indicted two years later in 2020 on the charge of “attending illegal meetings and marches without weapons and not dispersing despite warning.” The first hearing in the trial, initially of 46 people, took place in March 2021. In 2024, one of the 46 defendants was separated from the case because of their absence from the trial proceedings.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 46-year-old Bernard Harris, who was last seen March 1 at the Metro Transit bus terminal, Walker Ave. in Lower Sackville.
Harris is described as 5 foot 6 inches with a slim build. He has brown (graying) hair and blue eyes. A clothing description is unknown.
When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bernard Harris is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment RCMP at 902-490-5020 or local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris:
A homicide inquiry has been launched following the death of a man in Whangārei yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the Norfolk Street address shortly before 5pm, after a report of a man being injured.
He was found unresponsive, and sadly died at the scene.
A 53-year-old man, known to the victim, was arrested at the address and is assisting with our inquiries.
No charges have been filed at this stage.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
HOUSTON – Seven people have been arrested following the return of a nine-count indictment in a conspiracy to provide false information to federal firearms licensed dealers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Authorities have now taken the final man charged into custody in Chicago. Gemale Sheali, 23, Houston, is expected to make his initial appearance there and will then be ordered to appear for his arraignment in Houston in the near future.
The other six – Eddylson Patino, 23, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in Houston, Mozambique citizen Muhammad Dagha, 22, who also illegally resided in Houston, and Abuelgasim Siddig, 23, Omar Farooq, 24, Erik Aguirre, 23, and Andres Ferman, 24, all of Houston – were previously taken into custody and made appearances in federal court.
According to the charges, the investigation began following the discovery of 68 firearms, including a suppressor, firearm magazines and ammunition, in Neche, North Dakota, along the Canadian border. The indictment alleges some of the Houston-area conspirators had purchased some of the recovered firearms. Further investigation allegedly revealed the conspirators had been acquiring the weapons on behalf of the conspiracy by providing false information to federal firearms licensed dealers.
According to the indictment, beginning around 2024, the conspirators acquired firearms by providing false information as to being the actual purchaser to federal firearms licensed dealers. The investigation allegedly linked two guns, respectively recovered in Mexico and Canada, to the conspiracy.
It is alleged that Patino was responsible for obtaining firearms for later exportation out of the United States, while Dagha recruited conspirators to purchase them on behalf of Patino. Both are charged with conspiracy and aiding and abetting providing false information to federal firearms licensed dealers.
Siddig, Farooq, Aguirre, Sheali and Ferman are all charged with conspiracy, and providing false information to a federal firearms licensed dealers during the acquisition of firearms
All seven face up to five years in federal prison on each count as charged and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston and Fargo, North Dakota, and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Canadian law enforcement and the Houston Police Department.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith is prosecuting the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee of the District of North Dakota.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BOSTON – A Moroccan national residing in Medford has been charged for unlawfully possessing ammunition as an illegal alien.
Ayoud Haddad, 24, was charged with one count of unlawful or illegal alien in possession of ammunition. Haddad was arrested yesterday and was ordered detained pending an hearing scheduled for March 17, 2025 in federal court in Worcester.
According to the charging documents, Haddad, a Moroccan national, is an alien who was admitted into the United State on or about April 12, 2012, on a B-2 non-immigrant visa. Haddad’s visa was obtained by his parent on his behalf as he was a minor at the time. His visa expired on Oct. 12, 2012.
In the afternoon of June 6, 2024, law enforcement responded to several calls reporting shots fired outside a multi-floor apartment complex in Lawrence. Surveillance footage identified one of the vehicles believed to be allegedly involved in the shooting – a white BMW leased to Haddad. Surveillance footage also allegedly identified Haddad as the driver of the vehicle. When stopped by law enforcement on June 8, 2024, Haddad was driving the BMW which authorities had towed. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a rifle with no serial number and 20 pieces of live .223 Remington Bronze full metal jacket rifle rounds under the hood.
In 2019, Haddad was arrested and charged by the state with carrying a firearm without a license; receiving a firearm with a defaced serial number; possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance; conspiracy to violate the drug laws; and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. It is alleged that, in or about March 2019, Haddad, was encountered by federal immigration authorities while being held at a correctional facility on these charges because his B-2 visitor visa had expired. According to the charging documents, the firearms charges were dismissed on June 10, 2019 and the remaining charges were dismissed by nolle prosequi on Sept. 4, 2020 after a period of “general continuance.”
The charge of unlawful or illegal alien in possession of ammunition provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon competition of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; Acting Lawrence Police Chief Millix Bonilla; and Medford Police Chief Jack D. Buckley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today voted against congressional Republicans’ Continuing Resolution (CR), which would give the Trump Administration authority to strip funding without oversight by Congress and cut billions from previously bipartisan programs and initiatives. Senator Welch released the following expanded statement on the CR:
“Instead of funding the government, this bill makes drastic cuts to critical programs Vermonters rely on and gives unprecedented power to President Trump and Elon Musk to continue their reckless, illegal rampage. I could not vote for a bill that makes radical cuts—totaling billions of dollars—to funding for law enforcement, infrastructure re-development, disaster response and mitigation, cancer research, and more. I could not vote for a bill that gives a blank check to President Trump to inflict more punitive tariffs on American businesses, farmers, and families. I could not vote for a bill that allows Trump and Musk to cut federal funding at their whim and defund programs entirely without congressional approval or oversight,” said Senator Welch.
“It’s wrong for congressional Republicans to jeopardize Vermonters’ health, safety, and financial wellbeing so they can play games with the budget process. Republicans walked away from bipartisan negotiations on a budget because President Trump told them to. They are, yet again, ceding Congress’s constitutional authority to Donald Trump and hurting Americans in the process,” concluded Welch.
The Republicans’ CR makes drastic cuts to funding, and would result in fewer jobs, higher prices, and more chaos:
The bill cuts more than $247 million from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program, which funds community safety and policing grants to local, state, and tribal governments.
The bill cuts congressionally directed medical research programs at the Department of Defense by more than half, totaling $859 million.
The bill gives an $8 million blank check to the Trump Administration to use for mass deportations.
The bill underfunds rental assistance by $500 million, which could result in fewer housing vouchers for Vermonters who need safe, affordable housing.
The bill only provides an additional $2.2 billion for FEMA’s disaster recovery, at a time when FEMA is estimated to require an additional $17 billion, in addition to the current funding levels, to respond to future natural disasters.
The bill will cut $1.4 billion in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, eliminating all funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which Congress passed in 2021. This could put flood recovery projects supported by the Army Corps in Vermont at risk.
The bill will cut the budget of the Federal Public Defender program, which would prevent them from filling vacant positions and require delayed payments to private panel attorneys.
The bill will cut $280 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), opening a pathway for Secretary Kennedy to remove spending from:
Infectious diseases
Alzheimer’s
Lyme Disease
The Rural Residency Planning and Development Program
Maternal Health Innovation Program
Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program
Cancer Prevention Programs
Medication assisted treatment programs
First Responders grants
Child Abuse Prevention Program
Runaway and Homeless Youth Program; and
Elder Abuse Prevention and Adult Protective Services
The bill will cut $1.2 billion from the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction and related agencies, and potentially strip funding from health care efforts including:
Homelessness prevention programs
Rural health
Suicide prevention
The bill will cut more than $1 billion from Washington D.C.’s budget, impacting education, law enforcement, housing and more.
Senator Welch announced he would vote against the bill on Wednesday.
Source: South Africa News Agency
Friday, March 14, 2025
Police rescued a 55-year-old Pakistani businessman and arrested four kidnappers in different locations in Gauteng on Thursday, following an intelligence-led operation.
“According to a preliminary report, the victim was kidnapped in Graaff-Reinet, in the Eastern Cape, earlier last month, by an unknown group of individuals who introduced themselves to the victim as immigration officials,” the South African Police Service 9SAPS) said in a statement.
“The victim allegedly accompanied these individuals to the nearest police station, but never returned home,” the police said.
The victim’s family reported the kidnapping to the police after the kidnappers had allegedly demanded a ransom for the release of the victim.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising members from National Crime Intelligence, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Eastern Cape (DPCI – HAWKS), DPCI Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Soweto Flying Squad and private security arrested two South Africans and two Pakistani nationals.
One kidnapper was arrested in Killarney and an unlicensed firearm was seized during the arrest.
The team also seized a vehicle during the operation.
The suspect led the team to the location of the victim in Evaton where two more kidnappers were arrested.
Further investigation resulted in the arrest of a fourth kidnapper in Benoni. A vehicle which is believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was also seized.
The four suspects are expected to appear before a magistrate’s court soon, while further investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Tasmania Police
Two charged following Henley St incident
Saturday, 15 March 2025 – 7:00 am.
Police have charged a 29-year-old woman with aggravated assault and firearm offences and a 40-year-old man for damage to property and firearm offences following an isolated incident in Henley Street, Lindisfarne yesterday afternoon.
Police were called to a residential property about 2:20pm following reports a firearm had been shot towards a house.
The road was closed and police secured the scene, locating a firearm inside the house, and taking two people into custody.
Both people involved are known to each other, and no one was injured in the incident.
The woman and man have both been detained and will appear in court this morning.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 21-year-old man who escaped custody in Darwin on Tuesday evening.
The man was arrested without incident a short time ago by members from the Territory Safety Division after he was sighted on a public bus in the Malak area.
He remains in police custody.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson:
Waikato Police have commenced a homicide investigation following an incident in Hamilton overnight.
Emergency services were called to Beatty Street, Melville at around 4:30am.
A 26-year-old man was located deceased at the scene. A second man was taken to Waikato Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
Police are currently making enquiries to establish what has occurred and the events leading up to this incident.
We are also working to identify and locate a third man who was at the scene.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area or may have any footage or CCTV of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via 105 quoting file number 250315/0371
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are working to locate Joseph, aged 24, as we have concerns for his welfare.
We believe Joseph was involved in a car crash on Tihoi Road/SH32 near Waimanoa Road, just north of Lake Taupō on Wednesday 12 March, at around 2pm.
Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or was in the area at the time and may have seen Joseph following the crash.
After initial enquiries at the scene, we have reason to believe Joseph is injured.
Police urge anyone with information regarding Joseph’s whereabouts to contact Police on 105 either over the phone or online.
Please use the reference number 250311/5175.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Inspector Al Symonds:
Northland Police have launched a homicide inquiry after a man died south of Kaikohe today.
Emergency services were called to a property on Mangakahia Road, about 5km south of the town, around 9:10am.
Upon arrival, they located a male with apparent stab wounds who, despite medical attention, died at the scene.
Police have a person of interest in custody, and continue to gather information from the scene, including speaking to a number of people who were gathered at the property.
Police would ask anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to Police, to please get in touch.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre