At least two dead, hundreds stranded in Thailand as floods hit north

At least two dead, hundreds stranded in Thailand as floods hit north
Rescuers help people amidst flooding in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, September 11, 2024, in this still image taken from a video. (File/Reuters)
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Updated 11 September 2024
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At least two dead, hundreds stranded in Thailand as floods hit north

At least two dead, hundreds stranded in Thailand as floods hit north
  • The adverse weather, which comes in the wake of Typhoon Yagi — the most powerful storm in Asia this year, has impacted about 9,000 households in Thailand

BANGKOK: At least two people were killed and hundreds stranded in Thailand after heavy rains swept through two northern provinces, swelling rivers, inundating settlements and triggering mudslides, authorities said on Wednesday.
The adverse weather, which comes in the wake of Typhoon Yagi — the most powerful storm in Asia this year, has impacted about 9,000 households in Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.
“Water currents are still strong,” she told reporters. “All agencies are prepared and when the current eases, they will go in immediately.”
The impacts of the storm have killed at least 143 people in Vietnam, where it made landfall on Saturday before moving westwards, with floods forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents living near the swelling Red River in the capital Hanoi.
Thailand’s Chiang Mai province experienced flash floods and mudslides, with two deaths recorded, according to its governor.
In the Mai Sai district of neighboring Chiang Rai province, which borders Myanmar, rubber boats were unable to reach some flooded areas where hundreds were stuck and awaiting help, said district chief Narongpol Kid-an.
“Helicopters will be used to evacuate stranded residents and deliver food and water,” he told Reuters.
A resident in the main town in Mae Sai, which has a population of over 28,000, said their group of three people was trapped on the second floor of a building after rising water submerged the lower level.
“We have not eaten anything since yesterday morning,” the resident said, asking not to be named.
“It is still raining heavily in Mae Sai. We hope a rescue team or somebody will come to help us.”


Zelensky meets Biden after US unveils Ukraine military aid surge

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Zelensky meets Biden after US unveils Ukraine military aid surge

Zelensky meets Biden after US unveils Ukraine military aid surge
Zelensky’s visit was clouded by a blazing row with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump
“Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and we’ll continue to stand by you every step of the way,” Biden said

WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Joe Biden at the White House Thursday to present his wartime “victory plan,” after the US president announced an $8 billion surge in military aid for Kyiv’s fight against Russia.
But Zelensky’s visit was clouded by a blazing row with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump that underscored how November’s US election could upend the support that Kyiv receives from its biggest backer.
“Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and we’ll continue to stand by you every step of the way,” Biden said as he hosted Zelensky in the Oval Office, after thanking him for presenting the so-called victory plan.
Dressed in his trademark military-style outfit, Zelensky replied that “we deeply appreciate that Ukraine and America have stood side by side.”
Zelensky is looking to shore up support for his war effort at the same time as Biden tries to lock in aid for Ukraine, ahead of the white-knuckle vote pitting Biden’s Vice President Kamala Harris against firebrand Trump.
The Democrat pledged nearly $8 billion in military aid in his announcement on Thursday, including $5.5 billion to be authorized before it expires at the end of the US fiscal year on Monday.
Biden said in a statement that the “surge in security assistance for Ukraine” would “help Ukraine win this war.”
Biden also announced Washington would provide Ukraine with the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition and called a summit of allies in Germany in October.
The White House however played down Ukraine’s hopes that Zelensky’s visit would achieve his long-held goal of getting permission to fire long-range Western-made missiles into Russian territory.
“I’m not expecting there to be any new announcements on this particular action or a decision coming out of this meeting,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
Harris was due to meet Zelensky separately at the White House on Thursday.
Zelensky also visited the US Congress — where his government said he had also presented his victory plan — and gave a defiant address at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
But Zelensky’s visit has prompted fresh nuclear saber rattling from Moscow, which has repeatedly warned the West against giving Ukraine long-range arms.
President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced plans to broaden Moscow’s rules on the use of its atomic weaponry in the event of a “massive” air attack.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the nuclear threat “totally irresponsible” while EU foreign policy spokesman Peter Stano said Putin was making a “gamble with his nuclear arsenal.”
Kyiv faces an increasingly difficult battlefield situation two and a half years into Russia’s invasion, with Russian forces continuing to push into eastern Ukraine.
But the US presidential election means Washington’s support now hangs on the balance — and with Zelensky apparently at odds with Trump and the Republicans.
Trump had also been due to meet Zelensky during his US visit, but their talks now appear to be on ice.
Trump accused Zelensky on the eve of the visit of refusing to strike a deal with Moscow and once again questioned why the United States was giving billions of dollars to Kyiv.
At an election rally on Wednesday, the Republican called the Ukrainian president “probably the greatest salesman on Earth.”
Republicans were livid after Zelensky visited an arms factory in Biden’s hometown in the battleground state of Pennsylvania earlier this week, with House Speaker Mike Johnson calling for the Ukrainian ambassador to be sacked.
Zelensky also sparked fury in Republican ranks when he told The New Yorker magazine this week that Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance did not understand the war’s complexity.
Trump has echoed many of Putin’s talking points about previous US policy being to blame for the Russian invasion, and has been critical of Zelensky for years.
The United States has provided around $175 billion in both military and economic assistance to Ukraine during the war, despite frequent opposition from Republicans.


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Joe Biden at the White House Thursday to present his wartime “victory plan,” after the US president announced an $8 billion surge in military aid for Kyiv’s fight against Russia. (AFP/File)

China covered up sinking of newest submarine: US official

China covered up sinking of newest submarine: US official
Updated 26 September 2024
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China covered up sinking of newest submarine: US official

China covered up sinking of newest submarine: US official
  • The sinking at a shipyard earlier this year was first reported by The Wall Street Journal
  • “It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside,” the official said

WASHINGTON: China sought to cover up the sinking of its newest nuclear-powered submarine, a senior US defense official said on Thursday.
The sinking at a shipyard earlier this year was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which also said that satellite imagery later showed large floating cranes arriving to salvage it.
“It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside,” the senior US defense official said on condition of anonymity, referring to Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.
“In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLA’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry — which has long been plagued by corruption,” the official said.
The incident is a setback for China, which is seeking to modernize its navy — the largest in the world, but which includes many smaller warships such as frigates and corvettes.
The United States and Britain are meanwhile working to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines — a move that would expand the pool of countries with the advanced undersea vessels.
Beijing has been critical of the effort, which also envisages jointly developing advanced warfighting capabilities and is seen as a strategic answer to Chinese military ambitions in the Pacific region.


Humanitarian charities and NGOs project pro-Palestine messages on Brooklyn Bridge during UNGA

Humanitarian charities and NGOs project pro-Palestine messages on Brooklyn Bridge during UNGA
Updated 26 September 2024
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Humanitarian charities and NGOs project pro-Palestine messages on Brooklyn Bridge during UNGA

Humanitarian charities and NGOs project pro-Palestine messages on Brooklyn Bridge during UNGA
  • Organizations highlighted the death toll in Gaza and called for immediate ceasefire

LONDON: A coalition of humanitarian organizations projected messages of support for Palestine and a demand for a ceasefire in Gaza on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Wednesday evening.

The coalition, which included Action for Humanity, Avaaz, Christian Aid and Medical Aid for Palestinians, projected messages calling for the suspension of arms sales to Israel, calling for an immediate ceasefire and highlighting the more than 40,000 people killed in the conflict.

In a joint statement, the organizations highlighted the toll of 11,355 children among the dead, caused by Israeli military actions in Gaza.

“For over 11 months, humanitarians have been raising the alarm about Israel’s potential violations of international law, including the use of starvation and denial of water as weapons of war, attacks on civilian and so-called ‘safe’ areas, and targeting of aid operations,” the coalition said.

“Already, more than 40,000 people have been killed, 11,355 of whom are children, and hundreds of Palestinians have been arbitrarily detained, while 90 percent of Palestinians in Gaza are displaced from their homes, and polio has resurged in Gaza after a quarter of a century, putting the lives of many children at risk,” it added.

They also pointed out Israel’s intensified attacks in Lebanon, which have already claimed nearly 600 lives, including 50 children and two UN staff members.

As member states gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, the coalition also urged countries to facilitate humanitarian aid and the safe release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 last year.


Amir Khan and Nighat Arif collect Asian Achievers Awards

Amir Khan and Nighat Arif collect Asian Achievers Awards
Updated 26 September 2024
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Amir Khan and Nighat Arif collect Asian Achievers Awards

Amir Khan and Nighat Arif collect Asian Achievers Awards
  • Evening was a testament to the exceptional achievements within the British Asian community
  • Lifetime Achievement Award went to former Member of Parliament Virendra Sharma

LONDON: Former boxer Amir Khan and TV doctor Nighat Arif were amongst the winners of Asian Achievers Awards in London.

The 22nd Asian Achievers Awards brought together over 500 distinguished guests from around the world to celebrate the outstanding contributions of leading South Asians in the UK. Hosted by former Eastenders star Nitin Ganatra and ITV newsreader Anila Dhami, the evening was a testament to the exceptional achievements within the British Asian community.

Amongst the night’s winners were fusion sound duo Abi Sampa and Rushil Ranjan, Leicester City footballer Hamza Choudhury, GP specializing in women’s health Dr. Nighat Arif, the founder of the Indian street food chain Chaiiwalas, and the founder of the largest distributor of car parts in Europe Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia.

For his over 50 years in public service, the Lifetime Achievement Award went to former Member of Parliament Virendra Sharma.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “British Asians are a driving force behind much of the social, cultural and economic innovation we see in Britain today. You represent so many of the values that help our communities thrive — ambition, hard work and inclusivity, to name just a few. This is why it is wonderful so see so many British Asian change-makers being recognized tonight by the team at EPG.”

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also sent his congratulations to the winners and the EPG team.

Boxer Amir Khan was awarded a Special Award for Philanthropy and said: “It’s a privilege to be recognized for the work I’ve always felt deeply passionate about. The real champions are those working every day to improve the lives of others, and I’m proud to play my part in that. This award is recognition for all those who have supported my foundation in the last decade and the brilliant team who work tirelessly on the ground.”

Organizer of the Awards, Pratik Dattani, said: “The British Asian community adds so much to Britain today. Tonight was testament to the longevity of our Awards – after 22 years, they still matter and they still are able to unearth the most exceptional people from across the country.”

Host Ganatra said: “Every year I come to these Awards and am impressed by the standard of nominations and the quality of the shortlist. Just look back at the last two decades of winners and you’ll see the event has tracked the growth of our community for more than a generation.”

The evening saw electric performances from Brit Asian music pioneer Juggy D and Edinburgh Fringe Festival winner, stand-up comedian Ahir Shah.

The event raised a large sum of money for the charity partner The Leprosy Mission’s efforts at helping marginalized communities across South Asia prosper.

The event was supported by pioneers of financial inclusivity Andaria, Dubai-based real estate innovators Aries Global, pioneer in luxury ayurveda Forest Essentials, India’s largest bank State Bank of India, solar panel installer Solar4Good, the home of zafran tea FiLLi Cafe, AI-driven legal solutions provider LexLegis.ai, Indian single malt whisky Indri, the world’s most famous cornershop Fortnum & Mason and others, as well as media partners Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and LycaRadio.

Full List of Winners:

Special Award for Philanthropy: Amir Khan

Art and Culture Award: Abi Sampa and Rushil Ranjan

Business Person of the Year: Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia

Community Service Award: Iftikhar Chaudhri

Entrepreneur of the Year: Muhammad Ibrahim (Chaiiwala)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Virendra Sharma

Media Person of the Year Award: Tasnim Nasser

Professional of the Year: Dr. Kesar Singh Sadhra

Sports Personality of the Year: Hamza Choudhury

Woman of the Year: Dr. Nighat Arif

Special Award for Entrepreneurship: Irshad Akhtar

Special Award for Young Business Person of the Year: Krishan and Shyam Sedani

Special Award for International Business Person of the Year: Bipen Sharma

Special Award for Professional Impact: Navita Yadav


Japanese court acquits the longest-serving death row inmate of a 1966 quadruple murder

Japanese court acquits the longest-serving death row inmate of a 1966 quadruple murder
Updated 26 September 2024
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Japanese court acquits the longest-serving death row inmate of a 1966 quadruple murder

Japanese court acquits the longest-serving death row inmate of a 1966 quadruple murder
  • Iwao Hakamada’s acquittal by the Shizuoka District Court makes him the fifth death row inmate to be found not guilty in a retrial in postwar Japan
  • The court found that evidence was fabricated and planted by investigators and that Hakamada was not the culprit, his lawyer Hideyo Ogawa said

TOKYO: A Japanese court found an 88-year-old former boxer not guilty on Thursday after a retrial for a 1966 quadruple murder, reversing a decision that made him the world’s longest-serving death row inmate.
Iwao Hakamada’s acquittal by the Shizuoka District Court makes him the fifth death row inmate to be found not guilty in a retrial in postwar Japan, where prosecutors have a more than 99 percent conviction rate. The case could rekindle a debate around abolishing the death penalty in Japan.
The court found that evidence was fabricated and planted by investigators and that Hakamada was not the culprit, his lawyer Hideyo Ogawa said.
After the ruling and an explanation were read out, his 91-year-old sister Hideko Hakamada walked out of the courthouse with a big smile, welcomed by cheers and two big bouquets of flowers to celebrate the acquittal of her brother after the 58-year legal battle.
“Thank you, everyone, we won an acquittal,” she told a televised news conference. “When I heard the main sentence, it sounded almost divine. I was so touched and could not stop crying with joy.”
Hakamada was convicted of murder in the 1966 killing of an executive and three of his family members, and setting fire to their home in central Japan. He was sentenced to death in 1968, but was not executed due to the lengthy appeal and retrial process in Japan’s notoriously slow-paced criminal justice system.
He spent 48 years behind bars — more than 45 of them on death row — making him the world’s longest-serving death row inmate, according to Amnesty International.
Ogawa said he asked the prosecutors not to appeal the case, as is possible, but was told they have not yet decided what to do.
The lawyer also said the defense team is considering filing a lawsuit against the government, in part to learn more about the troubled investigation. If prosecutors do not appeal and his acquittal is finalized, Hakamada would be entitled to seek compensation.
It took 27 years for the top court to deny his first appeal for retrial. His second appeal for a retrial was filed in 2008 by his sister.
That request was granted in 2014, when a court ruled there was evidence suggesting he was wrongly accused. He was not cleared of the conviction, but he was released from prison and allowed to await retrial at home because his poor health and age made him a low risk for escape.
But the case continued to bounce among several courts, until one finally ruled in his favor in 2023, paving the way for the latest retrial that began in October.
Following his arrest, Hakamada initially denied the accusations, but then confessed. He later said his confession was forced during a violent interrogation by police.
“I have nothing to do with the case … I am innocent,” he wrote in his letter to his mother while on trial in 1967.
On Thursday, the court concluded that five pieces of bloodstained clothing that investigators claimed to have found hidden in a tank of fermented soybean paste, or miso, a year after Hakamada’s arrest must have been put there long after the arrest.
The court cited scientific experiments that showed the bloodstains should not have been visible on clothing soaked in miso for a year. The ruling concluded that investigators, who had said Hakamada wore the clothes during the crime, had applied the bloodstains themselves and planted the clothing.
According to defense lawyers and earlier court rulings, the blood samples did not match Hakamada’s DNA, and trousers that prosecutors submitted as evidence were too small for him.
Thursday’s ruling also blamed the prosecutors for forcing Hakamada into a false confession because of an “inhumane” interrogation.
Ogawa, Hakamada’s lawyer, praised the ruling as “groundbreaking” for clearly stating that the prosecution fabricated key evidence at the beginning. “I believe this ruling puts an end to the case. ... Now we must prevent prosecutors from appealing no matter what.”
After Hakamada was sentenced to death, he expressed fear and anger at being falsely accused.
“When I go to sleep in a soundless solitary cell every night, I sometimes cannot help cursing God. I have not done anything wrong,” he wrote to his family. “What a cold-blooded act to inflict such cruelty on me.”
Hakamada, whose Christian name is Paulo, was invited to a Mass in Tokyo during Pope Francis’ visit in 2019, five years after his release.
Supporters say Hakamada’s nearly half-century detention took a toll on his mental health. Most of his 48 years behind bars was spent in solitary confinement. The first two months after Hakamada’s release, he kept pacing inside the apartment, without even trying to go outside, his sister said.
One day, she asked him to help her with groceries to get him to agree to leave the house. Going out for a walk then became his daily routine, though today he is less able and he goes out by car, assisted by his supporters.
The case has drawn attention to and criticism of Japan’s legal system. Japan Bar Association Chairperson Reiko Fuchigami urged the government and parliament on Thursday to promptly take steps to abolish the death penalty and lower hurdles for retrials.
“The Hakamada case clearly shows the cruelty of the wrongful death penalty, and the tragedy should never be repeated,” she said, expressing hope that Hakamada truly regains his freedom and lives in serenity as a citizen.
At a final hearing at the Shizuoka court in May before Thursday’s decision, prosecutors again demanded the death penalty, triggering criticism from rights groups that prosecutors were trying to prolong the trial.
Japan and the United States are the only two countries in the Group of Seven advanced nations that retain capital punishment. A survey by the Japanese government showed an overwhelming majority of the public supports executions.
Executions are carried out in secrecy in Japan and prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning they are hanged. In 2007, Japan began disclosing the names of those executed and some details of their crimes, but disclosures are still limited.
Hideko Hakamada has devoted around half of her life to her brother’s case. Before Thursday’s ruling, she said she was in a never-ending battle.
“It is so difficult to get a retrial started,” She told reporters in Tokyo. “I’m sure there are other people who have been wrongly accused and crying. … I want the criminal law revised so that retrials are more easily available.”