Microsoft claims 235 patent breaches by open source software

Software giant Microsoft's chief lawyer Brad Smith claimed in an interview published in the magazine Fortune on Monday that open-source software products violate 235 of Microsoft's patents. The main transgressors are claimed to be Linux (107 patents) and OpenOffice.org (45), with e-mail programs infringing 15 patents. Microsoft wants royalties to compensate for the patent breaches.

According to Microsoft's Vice-President of intellectual property and licensing, Horacio Gutierrez, the company wants to negotiate with the open-source companies rather than sue them. "If we wanted to litigate we would have done that a long time ago. Litigation is not an effective way of going about solutions," Gutierrez said. According to him, Microsoft has over the last years tried to work towards a "constructive" solution to the alleged problem of patent violation.

Microsoft in the past has used the strategy of cross-licensing to get royalties from companies who infringe their patents, for example in their deal with Novell. On a company blog, Novell reiterated that their deal "is in no way an acknowledgment that Linux infringes upon any Microsoft intellectual property."

"We don't think that customers will want to continue on without a solution to the problem," Gutierrez said about Microsoft's approach to guaranteeing companies that they won't get sued because they use the allegedly patent-infringing Linux operating system.

The upcoming third version of the GPL licence, the licence under which Linux is released, will prohibit Linux distributors to agree to patent royalty deals. Microsoft called these "attempts to tear down the bridge between proprietary and open-source software that Microsoft has worked to build with the industry and customers."

A related U.S. Supreme Court ruling from April 30th showed how software patents can be subject to court challenges; basically, if the innovations patented are "obvious", the patent is weakened. Joe Lindsay, information officer for a mortgage company, pointed out that the Unix code that Linux is based upon preceded Microsoft Windows, which might also be a reason for some patents to be invalid.

Red Hat, the biggest Linux distributor, said in a statement on Monday:

Larry Augustin, former CEO of a company called VA Linux (now VA Software), responsible among other things for launching SourceForge.net, an open-source software development community, posted a message on his blog under the title "It's Time for Microsoft to Put Up or Shut Up":

According to the Fortune report, more than half of the Fortune 500 companies are estimated to use Linux in their data centers.


Ballmer dichiara che il free software infrange 235 brevetti Microsoft

Il CEO della Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, ha rilasciato un'intervista alla rivista Fortune attaccando la comunità del software libero. Secondo Ballmer «viviamo in un mondo dove la proprietà intellettuale viene rispettata» e il FOSS deve «rispettare le stesse regole del mondo del business».

La Microsoft ha accusato gli sviluppatori di software open source d'infrangere 235 brevetti appartenenti al colosso di Redmond e ha dichiarato l'intenzione di farsi pagare le royalities da chi usa o scrive software rilasciato sotto GNU General Public License. L'azienda ha dichiarato che il kernel di Linux viola 42 brevetti, OpenOffice.org 45, le interfacce grafiche 65 e i client di posta elettronica 15.

Secondo Eben Moglen, avvocato della Free Software Foundation, è impossibile brevettare un software poiché è un semplice algoritmo matematico. Il legale ha inoltre espresso dei dubbi circa l'entità dei brevetti che, a giudizio della Microsoft, violerebbero brevetti depositati.

L'attacco di Ballmer arriva dopo dieci anni di dure lotte con il sistema operativo di Torvalds e a due settimane di distanza dall'annuncio ufficiale della Dell col quale è stato dichiarato che l'azienda pre-installerà la distribuzione Linux Ubuntu su alcuni computer messi in commercio negli Stati Uniti. Linux è inoltre anche usato da Google, una delle più grandi rivali dell'azienda fondata da Bill Gates.

Uno dei vantaggi del sistema operativo libero è il suo basso costo (è scaricabile gratuitamente) ma è noto anche per la sua stabilità e flessibilità.


Linux violam patentes da Microsoft segundo advogado

Algumas distribuições Linux podem estar violando pelo menos 235 patentes da Mircrosoft. Smith, advogado da Brad Smith, disse à revista Fortune que os vários softwares do Linux violam patente. O OpenOffice.org, por exemplo, viola 45 patentes entre outros programas de código aberto.[1]


Microsoft wins case against Alcatel

A week after having been ordered to pay a one-and-a-half-billion dollar fine by courts in the United States, El Mundo reports today that Microsoft has won a case brought by Alcatel-Lucent against Microsoft involving the violation of patents on voice-recognition technology.

Alcatel-Lucent's spokesman said that the company planned to appeal against the verdict by a federal judge in San Diego, California, and were confident of victory on appeal.

On the other hand, Tom Burt, a member of Microsoft's legal team, said that Microsoft were confident that the appeal court would uphold the verdict of the trial court.

Last week, a jury in the San Diego federal court upheld a complaint against Microsoft for the violation of patents on the MP3 format, used on computers and portable media players. Sources said that the $1.5bn fine, the largest ever awarded in a patent case, took into account the number of computers sold pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows operating system since May 2003.

The verdict - which Microsoft has confirmed it intends to appeal - could have implications far beyond Microsoft's Redmond, WA headquarters, due to the high volume of devices which use the MP3 format; the format is the most popular method of storing digital music on portable music players, etc.


Microsoft vence processo por tecnologia de reconhecimento de voz

No processo da Alcatel-Lucent contra a Microsoft, a empresa de Bill Gates levou a melhor desta vez.

O processo está relacionado a patente de uma tecnologia de reconhecimento de voz, que converte a voz em texto.

Depois do parecer do juiz ser publicado, um porta-voz da Alcate-Lucent afirmou que a empresa tem fortes argumentos que suportem a acusação e que ser iniciado o recurso da decisão jurídica.

Da série de processos entre a Alcatel-Lucent a Microsoft, o primeiro resultado foi na semana passada (24/02/07), quando a Microsoft foi condenada a pagar U$ 1,52 bi a Alcatel-Lucent por tecnologia MP3, presente no programa Windows Media Player do seu sistema operacional Windows (ver notícia).

A Alcatel-Lucent tem mais cinco processos contra a Microsoft por litígio de patentes.

O próximo processo a ser examinado é relacionado com uma tecnologia de codificação de vídeo que a Microsoft utiliza na consola Xbox 360.


Militant leader hanged by Iran

Iran hanged the leader of the militant group Jundallah, Abdolmalek Rigi, yesterday, after he was found guilty of nearly 80 criminal charges.

Rigi was the founder and leader of Jundallah, which have carried out numerous attacks in Iran since 2003, killing 154 people and injuring 320 more.  Charges against him numbered 79, including armed robbery, contacting intelligence agents from the United States, NATO, and Israel, kidnapping, and the founding of a terrorist group, which the Iranian government classified Jundallah as.

Jundallah says its attacks are intended to protest the alleged discrimination of Sunni Muslims in Iran, whose government is largely Shi'ite.  Although Iran has claimed that the group has the backing of the United States, and a video of Rigi while in custody shows him admitting the same, the US has denied that it has any ties to the group.  Both the United Kingdom and Pakistan are also claimed to have ties to the group by Tehran; both governments deny the allegations.

According to Iranian authorities, Rigi was arrested while traveling from Dubai to Kyrgyzstan, and state TV ran a video of Rigi being taken from a plane by men in masks.

Rigi was apparently hanged in a prison in Tehran early on Sunday, according to state media.  His hanging is the latest in a string of executions of Jundallah members by the Iranian government.


V Teheránu oběsili vůdce Džindalláhu

V íránském Teheránu byl v neděli brzy ráno popraven oběšením Abdulmalek Rigi, vůdce vojenské organizace Džindalláh. Byl shledán vinným z celkem 79 zločinů, mimo jiné únosu, ozbrojeného přepadení, kontaktu s výzvědnými službami Spojených států amerických, Izraele a Severoatlantické aliance, ozbrojeného přepadení a založení teroristické skupiny, to jest Džindalláhu.

Rigi Džindalláh založil v roce 2003 a od té doby jej vedl. Během jeho velení organizace podnikla mnoho útoků v Íránu, zabila víc než sto lidí a další stovky zranila. Proklamovaným motivem jejích útoků byla snaha pomoci íránským sunnitům, kteří jsou údajně v převážně ší'itském Íránu diskriminováni. Írán prohlásil, že Džindalláh má podporu Spojených států amerických a zveřejnil ve vězení natočené video, kde Rigi tuto podporu přiznává. Spojené státy americké naopak obvinění odmítly. Z podpory Íránci obvinili také Spojené království a Pákistán; i ty jakoukoliv podporu popřely.

Podle íránských úřadů byl Rigi chycen, když cestoval z Dubaje do Kyrgyzstánu, a státní televize odvysílala video, kde je Rigi odváděn z malého letadla ozbrojenci.

Tato zpráva byla založena zčásti nebo zcela překladem zprávy Militant leader hanged by Iran na anglických Wikizprávách.


Militants in Pakistan release 250 schoolchildren after taking them hostage

Officials in Pakistan have confirmed that at least 250 schoolchildren between 12 and 18 years old and several teachers were taken hostage by at least seven militants inside a high school in Domail. After negotiations, the children were released.

"There were 200 to 250 children in the school and about seven militants," said Hamid Nawaz, the Interior Minister of Pakistan.

"The criminals have surrendered to the jirga along with their weapons. No children have been hurt and all have been released," said Javel Iqbal Cheema a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. At least one officer was injured and one militant was killed in the battle.

According to reports, the militants were fighting police officers after kidnapping a "health worker" when they ran into the school for shelter. They were allegedly armed with several weapons including rocket launchers and grenades.


Militantes en Pakistán liberan a 250 niños tomados como rehenes en una escuela

28 de enero de 2008Islamabad, Pakistán — 250 niños que habían sido tomados como rehenes en una escuela de Bannu (Pakistán) por siete militantes islámicos, fueron liberados ilesos en la mañana del lunes.

Los rehenes fueron puestos en libertad tras garantizar a sus captores un salvoconducto que exigían al gobierno, mientras que las fuerzas de seguridad rodeaban completamente el lugar.

Javel Iqbal Cheema, portavoz del ministerio del interior, informó que "todos los niños fueron liberados y los criminales se han rendido ante la jirga".

Durante los últimos meses la violencia en la región noroccidental de Pakistán ha venido experimentado un incremento. Actualmente se producen fuertes enfrentamientos en las regiones de Waziristán del Norte y Waziristán del Sur, dejando un saldo cercano a los 200 muertos.


Militants kill 22 villagers in Kashmir

Suspected Muslim militants shot dead over 20 villagers in the Doda district of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir early on Monday morning.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but police suspect that the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba is involved and have called the attack "pre-planned."

Eyewitnesses say armed men in military fatigues raided the village, made the residents line up and then opened fire on them injuring 9 villagers and killing the rest.

The attack comes just after by-elections in the state and just before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's meeting with militant leaders. The Union Home Ministry has convened an emergency meeting in New Delhi. Officers from the Intelligence Bureau are also likely to be present.


22 villageois tués au Kashemir


Million-dollar trial aborted on account of sudoku

A drug trial in Sydney, Australia was aborted yesterday after several jurors were found to be playing sudoku puzzles during proceedings.

The Crown trial, in which Andrew Daniel Lonsdale and Kane Holland were accused of conspiracy to manufacture a commercial quantity of amphetamines, had been running for over three months, involved 105 witnesses and cost over A$1 million, and was scheduled to end soon with both parties prepared to deliver final statements this week.

While giving evidence last week, Lonsdale noticed the jury forewoman apparently writing notes vertically rather than horizontally, in the manner of someone solving a sudoku. The co-accused, Holland, made the same observation, and their defence counsel lodged an appeal to the judge. Yesterday, the forewoman gave unsworn evidence to the judge confirming that she and several other jurors had been filling out the puzzles since the second week of the trial, comparing solutions during meal breaks. She claimed it helped them concentrate on the proceedings.

"It helps me keep my mind busy, and pay more attention," she said in her defence.

Judge Peter Zahra of the Sydney District Court had earlier lauded the jury's apparent attentiveness and diligence, but following the revelation, he told the forewoman that she and her fellow sudoku players had let down everyone involved in the trial. The jury was discharged, but no penalty will be given to the sudoku players. The New South Wales sheriff's office will update its guidelines to instruct jurors not to play games during proceedings, and the co-accused will be facing a new trial at a later date.


Suspenen un judici perquè els jutges jugaven al Sudoku

10 de juny del 2008, Sidney, Austràlia

Un grup de jutges foren sorpresos jugant a Sudoku, metre declaraven una sèrie de testimonis en un cas de tràfic de drogues que va passar a Austràlia. El fet fou notat pels advocats, que notaven com els jutges agafaven notes en totes direccions, però en realitat estaven jugant al Sudoku.


Porota hrála sudoku, soud musí po třech měsících začít znovu

Už tři měsíce trval soud, který v Sydney vedli s dvěma obviněnými z výroby a šíření omamných látek, a stál milion australských dolarů. Soudce Peter Zahras se přesto rozhodl soud přerušit a rozpustit porotu, když vyšlo najevo, že několik jejích členů místo sledování výpovědí svědků řešilo populární logickou hru sudoku.

Mluvčí poroty připustil, že někteří porotci věnovali hře více než polovinu času stráveného u soudu. „Ano, pomáhá nám to udržovat pozornost. Některé důkazy jsou už celkem objasněné a mám pocit, že je to obtížné celou dobu držet pozornost. A toto mne tolik od projednávání tolik nerozptyluje,“ odpověděl na otázku soudce. Před porotce už vystoupilo více než 100 svědků.

Toho, že se porotci nevěnují případu, si všimla obhájkyně jednoho z obviněných a označila to za překážku toho, aby se jejímu mandantovi dostalo spravedlivého slyšení. Nezodpovědné jednání porotců odsoudil i vrchní státní zástupce státu Nový Jižní Wales John Hatzistergos.

O vyšetřování případu před soudem hovořila dvacítka policistů, kteří měli dokázat, že se obvinění provinili nedovolenou výrobou amfetaminu, jeden z nich i jeho držením a nedovoleným ozbrojováním. Obě strany sporu měly do konce týdne vystoupit se závěrečnými řečmi. Odvolaní porotci nemohou být za své jednání nijak potrestáni, jejich nástupci převezmou svou roli na začátku nového procesu do několika týdnů.


Millions found by Irish police in raids

Over £2m has been recovered by Gardaí ("Irish Police") in multiple raids in the Republic of Ireland. Seven arrests have so far been made in Cork and Dublin during a series of raids. Of the £2m found, approximately £60,000 was in Northern Bank notes. Forensic examinations are being carried out to see if the money is related to the £26m Northern Bank raid in December. The finds come on top of £175,000 which was surrendered to police in Dublin on Thursday night.

One of those arrested so far, an unnamed Cork man has appeared in court charged with IRA membership. Irish police chief Noel Conroy commented that several of those arrested are suspected members of the IRA.

After the revelation that the IRA were possibly involved in the December robbery, speculation has been mounting in the national media that the main Republican party, Sinn Fein, were aware of plans for the robbery. Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, who is currently in Spain said people should not be in a rush to blame republicans. However it is clear that he is under a lot of pressure as he has decided to return to Ireland early from his trip.

The December robbery is widely blamed for having ruined chances at a new peace deal in Northern Ireland. Unionist parties have called for Sein Fein and the IRA to be excluded from future discussions.


Miljontals pund funna i polisräder på Irland

Över 2 miljoner pund har hittats av Gardaí, dvs den irländska polisen, i en serie räder på Irland. Sju personer har arresterats i Cork och Dublin. En juridisk undersökning har inletts för att utröna om dessa pengar kan kopplas till den kupp i december som gav 26 miljoner pund. 175 000 pund av de stulna pengarna har redan överlämnades till polisen under torsdagen.

En av dem som arresterats, en icke namngiven man i Cork, har ställts inför rätta anklagad för medlemsskap i IRA.

Sedan avslöjandet att IRA kan ha varit inblandat i rånet i december, har det spekulerats i irländsk media att det republikanska partiet Sinn Fein kan ha varit medvetna om kuppen. Sinn Feins ledare Gerry Adams, som för närvarande befinner sig i Spanien, säger i en kommentar att man inte förhastat ska skylla på republikanerna. Dock befinner han sig uppenbarligen under stark press eftersom han avbrutit sin resa för att återvända till Irland.

Rånet i december anses av många ha skjutit den nya fredsuppgörelsen för NordIrland i sank. Unionister har krävt att både Sinn Fein och IRA ska uteslutas från framtida förhandlingar.


Millions march in France and around the world in support of Charlie Hebdo

Following the shootings at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, millions of people turned out yesterday for marches in Paris, in cities across France, and around the world. Reported estimates of between 1.5 and 2 million people rallied in Paris, and the French interior ministry estimated 3.7 million or more rallied across France.

44 world leaders attended the Paris march including French President François Hollande; German Chancellor Angela Merkel; British Prime Minister David Cameron; Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy; Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi; the President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority; King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan; Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu; the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov; the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban; and the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba.

US Ambassador to France Jane D. Hartley attended. White House Spokesman Josh Earnest responded to criticism for not sending a higher level representative on behalf of the United States: "It is fair to say we should have sent someone with a higher profile." Earnest said the rally had been planned on Friday and President Obama attending the rally on such short notice presented "significant security challenges". Secretary of State John Kerry said he already had a prior engagement in India.

Charlie Hebdo has previously published cartoons featuring the Islamic prophet Muhammed. These include original depictions and reprints of controversial cartoons originally by Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Some of these cartoons were on display at the marches.


France : des centaines de milliers de manifestants contre le terrorisme

Des centaines de milliers de personnes ont défilé dans de très nombreuses villes de France dans des « marches républicaines » contre le terrorisme.

À Paris, où les autorités ont annoncé avoir renoncé à compter le nombre de manifestants, une soixantaine de chefs d'État et de gouvernement se sont joints au cortège parmi lesquels le malien Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, l'allemande Angela Merkel, le britannique David Cameron, l'espagnol Mariano Rajoy, l'italien Matteo Renzi, le turc Ahmet Davutoglu, le président de la Commission européenne Jean-Claude Juncker, le président du parlement européen Martin Schulz et le ministre des affaires étrangères russe Sergueï Lavrov. Une absence de hauts représentants américains est cependant à noter.

Selon les premières estimations globales, ce sont plus de 3,7 millions de personnes qui ont manifesté dans la journée en France. Ce chiffre est le record du nombre de manifestants jamais enregistré en France selon le ministère de l'Intérieur. Selon les estimations du journal Le Monde, basées sur les remontées des préfectures et de la presse locale, ce sont entre 4 et 5 millions de personnes qui se sont retrouvées dans la rue.


Марш солидарности в Париже

Президент Франции Франсуа Олланд и мэр Парижа Анн Идальго возглавили шествие колонны из сотен тысяч людей через улицы Парижа в воскресенье, 11 января 2015 года, — Республиканском марше — массовой демонстрации солидарности с народом Франции после трех дней террора и насилия, повлекших гибель 17 человек.
Число участников акции в париже составило, по словам организаторов 1,3-1,5 млн человек.
По всей Франции на улицы вышли более трёх миллионов человек.

Более 50 глав государств Европы, Ближнего Востока и Африки образовали живую цепь, взявшись за руки вместе с Франсуа Олландом в марше с участием более миллиона человек. Премьер-министр Великобритании Дэвид Кэмерон, канцлер Германии Ангела Меркель, премьер-министр Израиля Бенджамин Нетаньяху, президент Палестинской администрации Махмуд Аббас, король и королева Иордании, премьер-министр Италии Маттео Рензи, премьер-министр Испании Мариано Ражой, президент Украины Петро Порошенко, президент Мали Ибрагим Кейита, вся верхушка Европейской власти — в числе участников акции.

США представляет генеральный прокурор страны Эрик Холдер.
Холдер объявил в воскресенье в Париже, что президент Барак Обама намерен пригласить мировых лидеров в Вашингтон 18 февраля 2015 года на саммит по противодействию экстремизму и насилию.

Госсекретарь США Джон Керри заявил в воскресенье, что никакой теракт не остановит «марш свободы». Выступая в Индии, глава американского внешнеполитического ведомства сказал:

На Республиканском марше Турцию представляет премьер-министр Ахмет Давутоглу.

От России приехал Сергей Лавров.
Министрами иностранных дел тыкже представлены Египет и Объединённые Арабские Эмираты.

Больше 700 тысяч человек прошли в молчании по горорам Франции в массовой акции поддержки 17 жертв самой крупной террористической атаки в стране за более чем полувековой период.

Премьер-министр Франции Мануэль Валлс, выступая перед скорбящими около кошерного супермаркета, где убийца расстрелял четверых заложников, сказал: «У меня нет сомнений в том, что миллионы граждан придут выразить свою любовь к свободе». Он добавил: «Франция без евреев — уже не Франция».

Премьер-министр Израиля Нетаньяху заявил в воскресенье перед вылетом в Париж, что создаст специальную министерскую команду для увеличения иммиграции евреев в Израиль из Франции и других частей Европы: «Государство Израиль — это не только место, за которое вы молитесь, государство Израиль — это ваш дом», — сказал он.

Ожидается, что режим повышенных мер безопасности по всей Франции будет поддерживаться несколько недель. Правоохранительные органы продолжают поиски подруги одного из трех вооруженных людей, убитых в пятницу в ходе двух операций по освобождению заложников, за которыми наблюдал весь мир.

Тем временем общественная организация «Репортёры без границ» возмущена присутствием первых лиц из стран, которые ограничивают свободу информации.

Среди стран стран, где журналисты и блогеры систематически преследуются, «Репортёры без границ» называют Египет (занимающий 159-е место из 180 стран в индексе свободы прессы), Турцию (154), Россию (148) и Объединенные Арабские Эмираты (118).

Генеральный секретарь «Репортёров без границ» Кристоф Делуар заявил:

11 января 2015 года


Милион и по људи у Паризу, скупови широм света

12. јануар 2015.Париз/ Француска (Beta-AFP) - Скуп против тероризма у Паризу окупио је у недељу око милион и по људи, док је широм Француске пошту жртвама одало више од милион људи.

Марш за једиство предводило је на почетку скупа педесетак светских званичника, који су се, пошто су минутом ћутања одали пошту жртвама напада у Паризу, појединачно поздравили с француским председником, а затим напустили скуп.

Оланд је потом наставио учешће у тој манифестацији уз чланове породица 17 страдалих и двадесетак рањених у нападима џихадиста на лист „Шарли Eбдо“ и кошер продавницу у престоници.

Више стотина хиљада људи окупљених у Паризу, коју је Оланд назвао „престоницом света“, узвикивало је „Шарли, Шарли!“, А Трг републике преплављен је људима који носе француске заставе и оловке као симбол солидарности са жртвама напада.

Више од 5.500 полицајаца обезбеђивало је скуп.

Осим великог скупа у Паризу, око милион људи окупило се широм Француске на сличним демонстрацијама.

Највише људи, скоро 200.000 њих учествовало је у протестној шетњи у Лиону, најмање 100.000 њих на скупу у Бордоу, више од 60.000 у Рену, Марсеју и Сент Етјену, 40.000 у Перпињану. По неколико хиљада људи одало је пошту жртвама иу другим мањим француским градовима.

Скупови против мржње и тероризма и у знак подршке жртвама напада у Паризу одржани су и у бројним европским и светским градовима.

У Бриселу на „Скупу против мржње“ учествовало је измедју 10.000 и 15.000 људи, у Берлину је пошту жртвама одало око 9.000 људи испред француске амбасаде, а у Бечу око 12.000. Скупови подршке су одржани и у Мадриду и Вашингтону.

У Лондону се окупило више од хиљаду људи, у Јерусалиму више од 500 њих, по неколико стотина у Бејруту, Рамали, Токију, Сиднеју и Њујорку.


Minnesota to require 25% renewable energy production

Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota signed a bill into law on Thursday that requires the state to generate a significant amount of its energy needs from renewable sources.

The amount of power generated by wind turbines in the state stands now at 895 megawatts. An additional 5,000 megawatts of energy from renewable sources will need to be added to Minnesota's electricity resources, which is roughly eight times more than the amount that currently comes from renewables.

The bill signed by the Governor requires energy companies to provide 25 percent of power from renewable sources by 2025.

Xcel Energy, which supplies approximately half of the electricity in the state, is required to provide 30 percent from renewable sources by 2020.


Il Minnesota vuole il 25% dell'energia da fonti rinnovabili

Il governatore del Minnesota Tim Pawlenty ha firmato un decreto legge che impone allo stato statunitense di generare una parte significativa del proprio fabbisogno energetico da fonti rinnovabili.

La quota di energia generata da impianti eolici in Minnesota è di 895 megawatt. Serviranno altri 5000 megawatt di energia da fonti rinnovabili per raggiungere il traguardo fissato dal decreto legge, e quindi bisognerà aumentare di nove volte la quota di energia da fonti rinnovabili.

Il decreto firmato dal governatore richiede alle compagnie dell'energia di raggiungere la quota di 25% di energia da fonti rinnovabili entro il 2025.

La Xcel Energy, che fornisce approssimativamente la metà dell'energia in Minnesota, dovrà raggiungere quota 30% entro il 2020.


Missing French girls Emeline and Melissa found safe

Two small girls, who were reported as kidnapped on Saturday in the French western town of Bouillé-Ménard (Maine-et-Loire), have been found safe in their village.

A kidnap alert was issued by French Ministry of Justice to be broadcast on radio, television and by print media, the first alert to be issued since the system was instituted in February.

The girls, Emeline and Melissa aged 10 and 8 years old respectively, were reported as missing at 3 p.m. CEST (1300 UTC) on Saturday and were found with neighbours. Police officer Bertrand Delpierre told LCI television the exact circumstances of the disappearance were going to be examined in detail.

"They seemed to be following, against their will, an individual of European type of an average height and size," read a statement from the  Ministry of Justice. The statement also said that the suspect had tattoos on his arms, one of which appears to be that of a ram. About 200 officers had been working on the case.


Alerte-enlevement en France: Melissa et Emeline


More than 80 people killed in Nice, France attack on Bastille Day

Yesterday at about 10:30 pm local time (2030 UTC) in the French city of Nice, a  truck killed at least 84 people and more than 100 people were injured, at least 18 critically, who were watching fireworks on Bastille Day evening, French officials reported. The attacker was later shot dead by the police.

The attacker drove for some distance — by one report as much as 2 km (more than a mile) — through the crowd along the Promenade des Anglais. The owner of the Le Queenie Restaurant near the seaport told  France Info, "People went down like ninepins".

Agence France-Presse reported police had discovered identity papers of a 31-year old Tunisian-Frenchman along with, according to one source, fake weapons including rifles and an "inactive" grenade.

20-year-old eyewitness Fanny told Reuters the fast-approaching truck was moving in a zigzag manner, driving in the pedestrian area. Another survivor described sheltering with others in a restaurant. An eyewitness named Nader told BFM TV he thought the driver had lost control of the truck. Later, he also saw the driver taking out a gun.

European Council President Donald Tusk said, "Tragic paradox that the subject of the Nice Attack was people celebrating liberty, equality, and fraternity" ((fr))French language: C’est un tragique paradoxe que les cibles de l’attaque Nice attaque soient les gens qui célébraient liberté, égalité, fraternité.

French president François Hollande tweeted, "France is tearful, sorrowful, but she is strong and will always be more than the fanatics who now want to smite her." ((fr))French language: La France est éplorée, affligée, mais elle est forte et le sera toujours plus que les fanatiques qui veulent aujourd’hui la frapper.

A few hours before the incident, Hollande had announced the state of emergency would be lifted on July 26 after November's Paris attack, but after this incident, he announced extending the state of emergency into October. Condemning the incident, he said, "We will further strengthen our actions in Iraq and in Syria." He also said "operational reserves" will be called up to support the armed forces in France.


Camión en Niza embiste a multitud durante celebraciones del Día de la Bastilla en Francia

Al menos 73 personas murieron y decenas resultaron heridas en Niza, en el sur de Francia, cuando un camión subió a una acera y embistió contra una multitud reunida para ver el espectáculo de fuegos artificiales por el Día de la Bastilla. Autoridades y testigos describen el hecho como un ataque deliberado.

Sebastien Humbert, prefecto del área de los Alpes-Maritime confirmó la noticia y dijo que el camión "embistió a la multitud por un largo trecho, lo que explica el extremadamente alto número de víctimas fatales".

En sus declaraciones a BFM TV, Humbert indicó que el conductor del vehículo fue abatido, y señaló que estaba tratando el incidente como un ataque por el momento.

Sylvie Toffin, funcionaria de prensa de la prefectura local, dijo que el camión "impactó a varias personas durante un largo trayecto" por la acera cerca del Palacio del Mediterráneo de Niza, un edificio que da hacia la playa. "Es un ataque", dijo.

Wassim Bouhlel, un nativo de Niza que habló con AP cerca del lugar, también confirmó que el camión embistió directamente a la multitud, y añadió que vio a un hombre salir del vehículo con un arma y comenzar a disparar.

El presidente Barack Obama en un comunicado condenó "en los términos más enérgicos" lo que "parece ser un horrible ataque". Francia ha tenido un incremento reciente de ataques por parte de grupos yihadíes, incluyendo el Estado Islámico, con sede en Irak y Siria.


France : un camion fonce sur la foule à Nice

Peu après 22 heures 30, heure locale, un camion a foncé sur une foule rassemblée pour assister au traditionnel feu d'artifice à l'occasion de la fête nationale française sur la promenade des Anglais à Nice. Le camion aurait parcouru environ deux kilomètres en fauchant les personnes sur la promenade pour ensuite tirer sur des policiers qui ont riposté. Des témoins évoquent de nombreux blessés dont de nombreux enfants et la préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes demande aux habitants de rester cloîtrés chez eux, évoquant un attentat. Les autorités parlent désormais d'actes criminels. Le porte-parole du ministère de l'Intérieur dément toute rumeur de prise d'otages en cours. Il indique également le déclenchement du plan Orsec et plan Blanc.

L'ancien maire et actuel premier adjoint au maire de la ville, Christian Estrosi parle de « dizaines de morts »[1]. Le Parquet de la ville évoque un bilan provisoire de 60 à 70 morts. Il est de 84 morts au matin du 15 juillet. Le sous-préfet des Alpes-Maritimes annonce que le chauffeur du camion (loué quelques jours plus tôt non loin de Nice), un Niçois d'origine tunisienne âgé de 31 ans, a été abattu.

Le Premier ministre, Manuel Valls, a activé la cellule interministérielle de crise au sein du ministère de l'Intérieur à Paris. Le président de la République, François Hollande, en déplacement à Avignon, retourne à Paris à la cellule de crise. Le ministre de l’Intérieur, Bernard Cazeneuve, se rend à Nice.

A 10 heures 32, ce vendredi 15 juillet 2016, le Premier ministre, Manuel Valls, annonce 3 jours de deuil national les 16, 17 et 18 juillet et appelle à un bloc de la France contre le terrorisme et à l'unité nationale. Selon les médias locaux, environ 54 enfants ont été hospitalisés depuis jeudi soir.


זוועה בצרפת: 84 נרצחו בפיגוע דריסה ביום הבסטיליה בניס

יום הבסטיליה, יום העצמאות הצרפתי, הפך הלילה למרחץ דמים: משאית הנהוגה בידי מחבל דרסה לאורך 2 קילומטר קהל שצפה במופע זיקוקים של יום הבסטיליה בניס.  לאחר מסע ההרג יצא המחבל מהמשאית והחל לפתוח באש, ותוך זמן קצר חוסל בידי המשטרה. במשאית נמצאו רובים ורימונים מזויפים.

תוצאות הפיגוע היו קטלניות: 84 בני אדם נהרגו, בהם כ-12 ילדים. שניים מההרוגים הם אב ובנו בן ה-11 בעלי אזרחות אמריקאית. בנוסף, נפצעו כ-202 בני אדם, מתוכם כ-50 ילדים. 52 מהפצועים במצב קשה.

המחבל זוהה כמוחמד לאחווייג' בוהלל, אזרח צרפתי-תוניסאי בן 31. תעודות זהות ומסמכים עם שמו של בוהלל נמצאו במשאית. גורם המקורב לחקירה מסר כי המחבל היה מוכר כבעל רקע של עבירות פליליות, אך הוא לא היה במעקב גופי הביון הצרפתיים. היום פשטה המשטרה על ביתו של של המחבל.

צרפת נמצאת במצב חירום מאז פיגועי נובמבר 2015 בפריז, בהם נרצחו 130 בני אדם. הנשיא הולנד הכריז מספר שעות לפני הפיגוע היום כי מצב החירום יסתיים ב-26 ביולי ולא יוארך יותר, אך בעקבות האירוע יוארך מצב החירום בעוד שלושה חודשים.


Francia: camion contro la folla

Ieri notte, al termine della tradizionale festa per l'anniversario della presa della Bastiglia, un tunisino trentenne residente a Nizza si è lanciato con un camion contro la folla che stava guardando uno spettacolo pirotecnico a Nizza riuscendo a seminare vittime per ben 2 km. La strage è avvenuta sulla Promenade des Anglais e ci sarebbero almeno 84 morti e un centinaio di feriti.

L'autore della strage, ancora sul camion, è stato ucciso dagli agenti della Gendarmerie nationale.

Lo stato di emergenza ancora attivo in Francia in seguito agli ultimi attentanti (del 13 giugno 2016 e del 13 novembre 2015), che doveva concludersi il 26 luglio, è stato prolungato di altri tre mesi dal presidente Hollande, e i riservisti sono stati richiamati.


Atak terrorystyczny w Nicei

W Nicei w czwartek 14 lipca 2015 późnym wieczorem ok godz. 22:30 doszło do ataku terrorystycznego na nadmorskiej promenadzie, na której zgromadzeni mieszkańcy i turyści oglądali pokaz fajerwerków z okazji Dnia Bastylii, święta narodowego Francji. Rozpędzona ciężarówka wjechała w tłum ludzi na Promenadzie Anglików w Nicei. Według ostatnich danych 84 osoby nie żyją, a około 100 zostało rannych. Sprawca masakry w Nicei, urodzony w 1985 roku mężczyzna o podwójnym obywatelstwie francusko-tunezyjskim został zastrzelony.

We Francji ogłoszona została trzydniowa żałoba narodowa[1].


Трагедия в Ницце: что известно

Примерно 22:30 14 июля 2016 года большой фургон проехал по набережной сквозь толпу людей, праздновавших День взятия Бастилии. Свидетели рассказывают, что водитель стрелял по бегущим людям. Это преступление официально квалифицировано как террористический акт.

Указывается, что подозреваемый в совершении теракта — 31-летний Мохамед Булель, гражданин Франции тунисского происхождения, который жил в Ницце. У Булеля были проблемы с законом, он некоторое время провел в тюрьме, однако ни о каких его связях с террористическими группировками известно не было.

Булель сел в грузовик на окраине Ниццы и погрузил в него свой велосипед. После чего он поехал в сторону променада. На набережной находились примерно 30 тыс. человек — местных жителей и туристов.

Управляемая Булелем машина ехала со скоростью примерно 90 км в час. Атака продолжалась менее 30-ти минут.

По меньшей мере 84 человека погибли — в их числе около 50-ти детей и подростков, десятки получили ранения и травмы. Среди убитых — двое граждан США. 52 пострадавших находятся в критическом состоянии. Среди госпитализированных жертв теракта — 50 детей.

Полицейские застрелили Булеля. В кабине грузовика были обнаружены оружие и гранаты.

Ни одна террористическая организация не приняла на себя ответственность за теракт, однако в Интернете теракт приветствовали сторонники ИГИЛ.

Власти Франции на три месяца продлили срок действия режима чрезвычайного положения в стране. В стране объявлен трехдневный траур.

Полиция призвала жителей Ниццы оставаться в домах. Многие туристы начали покидать этот популярный курорт.

Мировые лидеры выступили с осуждением этого теракта.

Германия и Италия усилили охрану своих границ с Францией.

15 июля 2016 года


法國尼斯國慶日貨車衝撞人群恐攻 司機車上發現槍枝手榴彈

法國城市尼斯舉辦巴士底日國慶活動，約22:45群眾正在慶祝時，一名31歲尼斯男性居民駕駛貨車，在盎格魯街蓄意以高速衝向人群，然後開槍，至少80人喪生，150多人受傷。槍手最後被警察擊斃。


Moroccan court sentences fourteen to jail on terror charges

A court in Salé sentenced fourteen members of Fath Al Andalous (Conquest of Andalusia) to jail yesterday for planning attacks against targets in Morocco.  The radical group reportedly associates itself with expulsion of Muslims from the Andalusia region of Spain during the fifteenth century.

According to state agency Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), the court sentenced leader Rachid Zerbani to fifteen years in prison and fined him 500,000 dirhams (€44,175), and the remaining thirteen to four to ten years for "setting up a criminal gang to plot and carry out terror acts aimed at disturbing public order through intimidation and violence, financing terrorism, manufacturing and possessing explosives, undermining the sacred values, and holding unauthorized public meetings."

The group, which according to MAP had links with similar organisations in Algeria, Mauritania, France, Spain, and countries in the Middle East, had plotted to attack tourist locations in Agadir as well as a military barracks in Laayoune, the principal city in the Western Sahara region.  According to the police, the members had obtained electronics and chemicals used in bombs.

Since the 2003 Casablanca bombings, in which 45 people died, the country has broken up over sixty similar groups, with more than 2,000 tried and jailed.


Quatorze personnes condamnées à la prison ferme pour terrorisme au Maroc

Quatorze membres du groupe Fath Al Andalous[1] ont été condamnés à la prison ferme jeudi par la chambre criminelle chargée des affaires de terrorisme de Salé. Le groupe s'associerait avec l'expulsion des Musulmans de la région d'Andalousie, en Espagne, au XVe siècle.

Selon l'agence Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), la chambre a condamné le principal prévenu Rachid Zerbani à quinze ans de réclusion et à une amende de 500 000 dirhams[2], et les treize autres membres à entre quatre et dix ans pour « constitution d'une bande criminelle en vue de préparer et commettre des actes terroristes dans le cadre d'une entreprise collective visant à porter gravement atteinte à l'ordre public par l'intimidation et la violence, financement du terrorisme, participation, fabrication et détention d'explosifs, atteinte aux valeurs sacrées et réunions publiques non autorisées ».

Le groupe, qui d'après MAP aurait des liens avec des organisations similaires en Algérie, en Mauritanie, en France, en Espagne, ou encore dans d'autres pays au Moyen-Orient, aurait préparé des attentats dans des lieux touristiques d'Agadir, ainsi qu'à une caserne à Laayoune, ville principale de la région du Sahara occidental. La police a indiqué que les membres auraient obtenu des éléments électroniques et chimiques utilisés dans les bombes.

Depuis les attentats de 2003 à Casablanca, qui ont fait 45 morts, le Maroc aurait démantelé plus de soixante groupes similaires, avec plus de 2 000 personnes jugés et condamnées à la prison.


Moroccan gets seven years in German 9/11 retrial

Mounir el-Motassadeq, a Moroccan who was a friend of several 9/11 hijackers, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for membership in a terrorist organisation by a court in Hamburg. The court, however, said that there is no proof that Motassadeq knew about the 9/11 plans or participated in them.

Presiding judge Ernst-Rainer Schudt said that Motassadeq has played an important role in running the financial affairs of other cell members and covered their absence while they were in terror training camps. But he said that Motassadey wasn't "the same caliber as [Mohammed] Atta", the leader of the 9/11 hijackers. Schudt also complained that the lack of cooperation by U.S. authorities in providing witnesses and delievering evidence left the court in "an unsatisfactory situation". U.S. authorities denied the court access to key witnesses in their custody such as Ramzi Binalshibh and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and out of security concerns only provided written testimonies,  which have very limited legal standing under German law.

Relatives of 9/11 victims who attended the trial are reportedly satisfied with the outcome. "This is a clear sign the rule of law can be an answer to terrorism" said Andreas Schulz, a lawyer representing relatives. Federal prosecutors are however unhappy with the ruling, since they also sought a conviction for accessory to murder. They, as well as Motassedeq who wanted acquittal, are going to appeal before Germany's Supreme Court.

Back in 2003, Motassadeq was sentenced to 15 years in jail for accessory to murder but that ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court, making this retrial necessary.


Mounir El Motassadeq zu sieben Jahren Haft verurteilt

Hamburg (Deutschland), 19.08.2005 – In der Neuauflage des weltweit ersten Prozesses um die Terroranschläge vom 11. September 2001 hat das Hanseatische Oberlandesgericht den Angeklagten Mounier El Motassadeq zu sieben Jahren Haft wegen Mitgliedschaft in einer terroristischen Vereinigung verurteilt. Im zweiten Anklagepunkt, Beihilfe zum Mord in mehr als 3000 Fällen, hielt der 4. Strafsenat den Angeklagten jedoch für unschuldig. Der Haftbefehl wurde wieder in Kraft gesetzt.

Die Staatsanwaltschaft hatte die Höchststrafe von 15 Jahren Haft gefordert, die Verteidigung jedoch auf Freispruch plädiert. Der Angeklagte selbst hatte während des gesamten Prozesses geschwiegen.

Bereits im Jahre 2003 war Mounier El Motassadeq vom Oberlandesgericht zu 15 Jahren Haft verurteilt worden. Der Bundesgerichtshof hatte das Urteil aber aufgehoben und den Fall nach Hamburg zurückverwiesen, weil möglicherweise entlastende Beweise aus Amerika dem Gericht nicht zur Verfügung standen.

Die USA hatten daraufhin neues Material für den Prozess zur Verfügung gestellt. Der Vorsitzende Richter, Ernst-Rainer Schudt, sagte, das im Prozess als Beweismittel gewürdigte neue Material aus den USA habe weder in die eine noch in die andere Richtung ausreichende Beweiskraft.

Motassadeqs Anwälte hatten bereits vor dem Urteil angekündigt, im Falle eines Schuldspruchs erneut in Revision zu gehen. Nach dem Urteil sagte Motassadeqs Anwalt Ladislav Anisic dazu: „Wir wollten einen Freispruch und haben ihn nicht erreicht.“


Mother of another Brazilian soccer player kidnapped

Brazil — The mother of Brazilian soccer player Rogério has been kidnapped. According to Brazilian Sports website Gazeta Esportiva, the kidnapping occurred the night of Monday, March 21, in Campinas, 83,5 km (51.88 miles) of São Paulo.

Police did not release further details. According to recent reports, three armed men kidnapped Inês Fidélis Régis, the mother of Rogério, who plays in Sporting Clube de Portugal.

This is the fourth kidnapping of a soccer player's mother in the last four months. On February 23, Ilma de Castro Libânio, 51, the mother of the Brazilian soccer player Edinaldo Batista Libânio, 25, known as Grafite, was kidnapped.

On November 6, 2004, the mother of Robson dos Santos, or Robinho, was kidnapped. On March 11, the mother of Brazilian soccer player Luis Fabiano was kidnapped by criminals, also in Campinas. The mother of Fabiano is still missing. The other hostages were released and are well.


Otra madre de futbolista brasileño es secuestrada

La madre del jugador brasileño Rogério, del Sporting Club de Portugal, fue secuestrada este lunes, 21 de marzo, en la ciudad de Campinas, 83,5 km (51,88 millas) de São Paulo.

La policía no suministró aún mayores detalles. Según recientes relatos, tres hombres armados invadieron en la noche la casa de Inês Fidélis Régis, la madre de Rogério, y se la llevaron.

Este es el cuarto caso de secuestro de una madre de jugador en Brasil, en cuatro meses. El día 6 de noviembre de 2004, había sido secuestrada la madre de Robson de los Santos, el Robinho del Santos. Ella fue liberada y se encuentra bien.

El día 23 de febrero de este año, Ilma de Castro Libânio, 51 años, la madre del jugador brasileño Edinaldo Batista Libânio, 25 años, conocido como Grafite fue secuestrada. Ella también fue liberada.

El día 11 de marzo de 2005, fue la vez de la madre del jugador Luis Fabiano del Futebol Clube do Porto ser llevada por criminales. Ella aún está desaparecida.


Mãe de Rogério do Sporting foi seqüestrada

A mãe do jogador brasileiro Rogério, do Sporting Clube de Portugal, foi seqüestrada nesta segunda-feira, 21 de março, na cidade de Campinas,  83,5 km (51,88 milhas) de São Paulo.

A polícia não forneceu ainda maiores detalhes. Segundo recentes relatos, três homens armados invadiram à noite a casa de  Inês Fidélis Régis, a mãe de Rogério, e levaram-na.

Este é o quarto caso de seqüestro de mãe de jogador no Brasil, em quatro meses. No dia 6 de novembro de 2004, tinha sido seqüestrada a mãe de Robson dos Santos, o Robinho do Santos Futebol Clube. Ela  foi libertada e passa bem.

No dia 23 de fevereiro deste ano, Ilma de Castro Libânio, 51 anos, a mãe do joador brasileiro Edinaldo Batista Libânio, 25 anos, conhecido como Grafite e que atua pela equipe do São Paulo F. C. foi seqüestrada. Ela também foi libertada, um dia após ser mantida refém dos sequestradores.

No dia 11 de março de 2005, foi a vez da mãe do jogador Luis Fabiano do Futebol Clube do Porto ser levada por criminosos. Ela ainda está desaparecida.

Atualmente, diversos jogadores brasileiros estão apreensivos com os recentes acontecimentos, já que suas mães estão sendo visadas pelos sequestradores. Também aponta que os sequestros estão migrando da região da capital paulista para o interior e o litoral do estado.


Mother of the Detroit Tigers baseball player Urbina was kidnapped by FARC leader

Venezuela recognized that the mother of   Ugueth Urbina, Maura Josefina Villareal,  was kidnapped by  the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia  (FARC-EP) commander  Alvis Patiño, known as El Chiguiro. Urbina is  a Venezuelan and  a Major League Baseball right-handed closer who plays for the Detroit Tigers.

Chiguiro has been captured on February 2005. A delegation of authorities from Colombia was sent to Venezuela, so he could be identified. Now, after his identification, Colombian officers expects he can be extradicted to Colombia. In Colombia, Chiguiro is expected to be judged  for the alleged crimes of  kidnapping and murderer of the American missionaries Sthephen Everet and Thimoty Dike in 1995.

Some Venezuelan baseball players from the Major Leagues said that kidnapping is a new situation they must learn to live with. None of them said that the risk of kidnappings would prevent their return to Venezuela.

For years, Venezuelan cattlemen near Colombian borders say that they are victims of extorsion  by FARC forces. This is the first time that the Venezuelan government recognizes that the FARC is responsible by this kind of crime  in Venezuela.

According to the Colombian authorities, Chiguiro is envolved with the exchange of drugs by  weapons with Brazilian traffic drug dealers.


Secuestrador capturado en Venezuela es líder de las FARC

14 de marzo de 2005Caracas, Venezuela — Voceros del gobierno venezolano confirmaron que el secuestrador de Maura Josefina Villarreal, madre del beisbolista de Grandes Ligas venezolano Ugueth Urbina, es en realidad el comandante del frente 16 de las FARC conocido como el Chigüiro.

El Chigüiro fue capturado en febrero de 2005 y para su identificación fue enviada a Venezuela una comisión de funcionarios policiales de Colombia. Ahora que ha sido identificado, se espera su extradición a ese país por los crímenes de secuestro y asesinato de los misioneros estadounidenses Stephen Everet y Timothy Dike, en 1995.

Entrevistados varios peloteros venezolanos durante sus entrenamientos para la próxima temporada de Grandes Ligas, expresaron que el secuestro es una nueva realidad con la que tienen que aprender a vivir. Sin embargo, ninguno de ellos manifestó estar preocupado al punto de no querer regresar a su país.

Desde hace varios años los ganaderos venezolanos en las regiones fronterizas con Colombia denuncian ser víctimas de extorsión por parte de las FARC. Sin embargo, sólo hasta ahora se tiene confirmación, por parte del gobierno venezolano, de que estas actividades de extorsión son realizadas por las FARC en Venezuela. Según las autoridades colombianas, El Chigüiro está también involucrado en intercambio de drogas por armas con narcotraficantes brasileños y en la compra en Venezuela de armas para la guerrilla.


Seqüestrador capturado na Venezuela é líder das FARC

Porta-vozes do governo venezuelano confirmaram que o seqüestrador de Maura Josefina Villarreal, mãe de Ugueth Urbina,  jogador venezuelano de beisebol  que atua nos Estados Unidos da América,  é  o comandante da unidade 16 das Forças Armadas Revolucionárias da Colômbia (FARC-EP) conhecido como el Chigüiro.

Chigüiro foi capturado em fevereiro de 2005 e para sua identificação foi enviada à Venezuela uma comissão de autoridades  da Colômbia. Agora que foi identificado, espera-se sua extradição para a  Colômbia, onde possa ser  julgado  pelos crimes de seqüestro e assassinato dos missionários norte-americanos Sthephen Everet e Thimoty Dike, em 1995.

Vários jogadores  venezuelanos da Grande Liga de Beisebol Americana, disseram que o seqüestro é uma nova realidade com a que têm que aprender a viver. Contudo nenhum deles manifestou estar tão preocupado a ponto de não querer regressar mais a seu país de origem.

Há vários anos criadores de gado venezuelanos, nas regiões fronteiriças com Colômbia, denunciam ser vítimas de extorsão por parte das FARC. No entanto, só até agora se tem confirmação, por parte do governo venezuelano, de que estas atividades de extorsão são realizadas pelas FARC na Venezuela. Segundo as autoridades colombianas, Chigüiro está também envolvido em intercâmbio de drogas por armas com narcotraficantes brasileiros e na compra na Venezuela de armas para a guerrilha.


Moussaoui pleads guilty to conspiracy in 9/11 attacks

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema accepted would-be hijacker Zacarias Moussaoui's guilty pleas on six charges of conspiracy laid against him for his plotting to participate in the Sept. 11 attacks. Moussaoui, who had to be restrained at one point during the trial in an Alexandria, Virginia courthouse, was polite and quiet during the day's appearance.

36-year-old Moussaoui, a French citizen, faces the death penalty or life in prison in the sentencing phase of his trial. The prosecution has also asked that Moussaoui be forced to pay restitution to the victims of the attack.

19 hijackers took control of four planes on September 11, 2001. Nearly four weeks before the attack, Moussaoui was arrested in Minnesota on immigrations charges having raised the suspicions of instructors at a flight school.

During the attack, two planes were flown into the World Trade Center buildings, a third struck the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, USA.


Zacarias Moussaoui admet la conspiration de terroriste de 9/11.


Suspeito do ataque de 11 de setembro contra os EUA declara-se culpado

O Juiz Federal  dos  Estados Unidos da América Leonie Brinkema aceitou a declaração de  culpado do  suposto sequestrador  Zacarias Moussaoui sobre sua participação na conspiração que ocasionou os ataques de 11 de setembro nos EUA. Moussaoui, que teve de ser contido à certa altura durante o julgamento na Alexandria, no  palácio da justiça de Virginia,  aparentemente foi cortês e tranqüilo durante todo dia.

Moussaoui  tem trinta e seis anos e é  um cidadão francês, que enfrenta a punição de morte ou a  prisão perpétua, a depender da sentença dada ao final de seu julgamento. A promotoria também pediu para que Moussaoui seja obrigado a pagar uma indenização às vítimas do ataque.

Moussaoui disse que Osama Bin Laden, líder da rede Al-Qaeda, ordenou diretamente os ataques e pediu-lhe para jogar o avião contra a Casa Branca.


Mubarak sentenced to life in prison over protester deaths

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Egypt for his responsibility as leader in the murders of protesters during the last year's Egyptian revolution.

Mubarak resigned from his presidential position in February 2011 as a result of the widespread protests. He has been hospitalized in Egypt's International Medical Center since the start of his trial due to bad health; and is the first Arab world leader, since the Arab Spring began over a year ago, prosecuted while in custody.

Habib el-Adly, who was Mubarak's interior minister, was also given life for the same type of offense. Four highly-placed government workers from the interior ministry in charge of security — including former Deputy Interior Minister Hassan Abd El Rahman — and two regional security directors were cleared of any wrongdoing. The former president's sons Alaa and Gamal Mubarak were found not guilty on corruption charges.

People in Egypt both celebrated the convictions and protested the acquittals. Protests occurred throughout the country in Cairo's Tahrir Square, Suez, and Mansoura.

While Mubarak was transferred to the Tora prison hospital, independent lawyers said they expect an appeal, which would extend the trial. The trial has already gone on for ten months before the verdict.


Hosni Mubarak es sentenciado a cadena perpetua por muerte de manifestantes

Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak, expresidente egipcio, fue sentenciado a cadena perpetua por una corte en Egipto por responsabilidad como líder en los asesinatos de manifestantes durante el último año de la revolución egipcia.

Mubarak dimitió de su puesto presidencial en febrero de 2011 como resultado de las extensas manifestaciones. Ha sido hospitalizado en el Centro Médico Internacional de Egipto desde el inicio de su juicio debido al deterioro de su salud; y es el primer líder del mundo árabe, desde que la primavera árabe comenzó hace más de un año, procesado mientras está bajo custodia.

Habib Ibrahim el-Adly, quien fue el ministro del interior de Mubarak, también fue sentenciado a cadena perpetua por la misma falta. Cuatro trabajadores de alto puesto a cargo de la seguridad en el gobierno del ministerio del interior –incluyendo a Hassan Abd El Rahman, el ex Ministro Diputado del Interior– y dos directores de seguridad regionales fueron absueltos de cualquier delito. Alaa y Gamal Mubarak, hijos del expresidente, fueron hallados inocentes de los cargos de corrupción.

Varias personas en Egipto celebraron las condenas y se manifestarion por las absoluciones. Las manifestaciones ocurrieron a lo largo del país en la Plaza de la Liberación en El Cairo, en Suez y en El Mansurá.

Mientras Mubarak era transferido al hospital de la prisión de Tora, los abogados inpendientes dijero que esperaban una apelación, lo cual extendería el juicio. El juicio transcurrió durante diez meses antes del veredicto.


Brève : Moubarak condamné à la prison à vie pour meurtre de manifestants

L'ancien président égyptien Hosni Moubarak a été condamné à la prison à vie pour meurtre de manifestants perpétrés lors de la révolution de 2011.


Egitto: Mubarak condannato all'ergastolo per crimini di guerra

L'ex presidente dell'Egitto Hosni Mubarak è stato condannato all'ergastolo da un tribunale egiziano per la sua responsabilità negli omicidi dei manifestanti durante la rivoluzione egiziana dello scorso anno.

Mubarak si dimise dal suo incarico presidenziale nel febbraio 2011 a seguito delle proteste che si diffusero in Egitto. All'inizio del suo processo Mubarak a causa di cattiva salute è stato ricoverato all'International Medical Center del Cairo; ma l'ex rais egiziano, una volta appresa la condanna, ha avuto una crisi cardiaca ed è stato approvato il trasferimento dal carcere all'ospedale di Tora.

Stessa pena, con stessa colpa, ha ricevuto Ḥabīb al-'Adli, ministro dell'Interno durante la presidenza di Mubarak, nonostante la Procura chiedesse la pena di morte. Quattro dirigenti importanti della polizia — tra cui l'ex vice ministro dell'Interno Abd El Rahman —, anche loro accusati della repressione della manifestazione, sono stati assolti insieme a due direttori regionali di sicurezza.

Ma a suscitare l'ira della popolazione è stato il proscioglimento dei due figli dell'ex presidente, Alaa e Gamal, colpevoli di corruzione ma assolti. Sono quasi 10.000 le persone che hanno protestato in Piazza Tahrir, principale piazza del Cairo, spinti dai Fratelli musulmani; e diverse quelle nei vari quartieri, come Suez e Mansoura.


Multiple bombs set off in Turkish resort

The Turkish resort of Marmaris was hit by at least 3 bombs and one bomb went off in Istanbul's Bagcilar district on Sunday injuring at least 27 people.  The blasts come two days after four people were injured in a separate bombing in Adana.

"We heard one of the bombs and it sounded just like a gunshot. The bus had exploded outside a McDonald’s restaurant. We saw its remains: it had been ripped apart," said one witness, Danielle Pearson.

The second explosion happened 45 minutes later, in a residential district near the harbour.

"Ambulances and police cars were going everywhere. The streets were really busy with people running everywhere. Before the explosions people were being typical holidaymakers and just enjoying themselves," added Pearson.  Of the injured, 10 are Britons, all of whom are in hospital, four of whom are in serious condition.

A fifth bombing has been reported in the European section of Istanbul.  Six people are reported to have been injured, none seriously.  The bomb was reportedly in a package left near a school.

Reports from southern Turkey at 17:16 say that yet another round of bombings have killed three people and injured a score of others.

There is no official word on who is responsible for the blasts, but responsibility has been claimed by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).  Other militant groups are warning tourists not to visit Turkey.  "We had warned before, Turkey is not a safe country. Tourists should not come to Turkey" - website of the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (Tak)

Tourism is a mainstay of the Turkish economy, bringing millions of dollars of foreign money to the country.  Deterring tourism constitutes a serious threat to jobs for thousands of Turks.

Bureaucrats from the British Foreign and Commonwealth office have not advised tourists to leave, but continue to follow events as they unfold - "Ten British nationals have been injured and are in hospital," quoted a spokeswoman for the British Foreign Office, "We have consular staff on the ground."

The Foreign Office has set up a telephone hotline for concerned relatives on 020 7008 0000.


Türkei: Erneut Bombenanschläge auf Touristenzentren

Marmaris / Istanbul / Antalya (Türkei), 30.08.2006 – Bei Terroranschlägen in der Türkei sind zu Wochenbeginn mindestens vier Menschen ums Leben gekommen und über 40 verletzt worden. Zunächst war man von weit mehr Opfern ausgegangen. Die Bomben detonierten in Istanbul, im Badeort Marmaris im Süden der Türkei sowie im Stadtzentrum der Touristenhochburg Antalya.

Zu den Anschlägen bekannte sich die kurdische Extremistengruppe „Freiheitsfalken Kurdistans“. Indes sucht die Polizei nach zwei Verdächtigen, die für den Anschlag in Antalya verantwortlich sein sollen.

Wie die Onlineausgabe der Tagesschau berichtet, geht es den Extremisten darum den politischen Kampf der kurdischen Minderheit gegen die türkische Vorherrschaft fortzusetzen. So veröffentlichten die „Freiheitsfalken“ auf ihrer Webseite: Solange sich PKK-Führer Abdullah Öcalan in Gefangenschaft befinde, „werden überall in der Türkei unsere Bomben hochgehen“.

PKK-Führer Abdullah Öcalan sitzt seit mehr als sieben Jahren eine lebenslange Haft in der Türkei ab. Seine Anhänger kämpfen seit mehr als zwanzig Jahren für eine politische Autonomie Kurdistans.


Aanslagen in Turkije

Bij een serie aanslagen in Turkije zijn zeker 27 gewonden gevallen, waaronder 10 Britse toeristen. In de ook bij Nederlanders populaire badplaats Marmaris vonden drie aanslagen plaats en in de miljoenenstad Istanbul één. Vier gewonden zijn er slecht aan toe maar ze zijn niet in levensgevaar.

In Marmaris vond de grootste aanslag plaats in een minibusje, de bom was onder een stoel verstopt. Hier vielen de 10 Britse gewonden. De andere twee aanslagen richten weinig schade aan, één ervan zat verstopt in een prullenbak. In Istabul vielen zeker 6 gewonden door een bom die afging in een woonwijk.

De Turkse politie vermoedt dat de Koerdische afscheidingsbeweging achter de aanslagen zit, maar de aanslag is nog door geen enkele groepering opgeëist.


Multiple extremist attacks in Mumbai, India kill dozens, injure hundreds

Scores of people have been killed, and many more wounded, in what appear to have been coordinated attacks by gunmen wielding automatic weapons and hand grenades. The attacks began around 10:30 p.m. IST in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Police reports indicate at least 80 deaths and a further 900 injured. More conservative estimates place the death toll at 78 with over 200 injured. Among the dead is believed to be Anti Terrorist Squad chief Hemant Karkare.

According to television reports, a little-known group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility. The name may refer to the Deccan Plateau, which makes up the majority of southern India.

Sites of the attacks have been listed as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, a hospital, a police station and at least three hotels, including Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. The Marriott Hotel in Juhu has been attacked with gunfire, but details are sketchy. A restaurant, Leopold Cafe on Colaba Causeway was also attacked. Other locations are the Cama Hospital.

The Taj Mahal and the Oberoi Trident hotels have been surrounded by Indian Rapid Action Force commandos. Gunmen are reported to be holding dozens of hostages, including foreigners, at those locations.

A fire is reported to be spreading through the Taj Mahal hotel.  The cause is unknown.

There were hostages at Nariman House in Colaba. This situation has continued all night.

The government has already blamed the attacks on terrorist organizations sponsored by foreign powers.

A number of European Parliament Committee on International Trade delegates were staying in the Taj Mahal hotel when it was attacked. One British MEP, Syed Kamall, left the hotel shortly before the attack to go to a restaurant. Another British MEP, Sajjad Karim, was in the lobby when gunmen initially opened fire there, and was last heard of in hiding in the building; also in hiding was German MEP Erika Mann. Polish MEP Jan Masiel was thought to have been sleeping in his hotel room when the attacks occurred and has not been heard from since, and a Hungarian MEP's assistant was reported shot. Also reported as staying at the hotel, and possibly in danger, is Spanish MEP Ignasi Guardans Cambó.

People who are concerned about the well being of friends or family may call these hotlines:


Зловеща нощ в Бомбай


Koordinovaní střelci zabíjeli v Bombaji

Nejméně sedm desítek mrtvých a stovky zraněných si vyžádala střelba útočníků v indickém městě Bombaj. Obchodní metropole Indie byla zasažena na asi sedmi místech najednou, včetně dvou luxusních hotelů. Dalšími cíli byly například hlavní nádraží, letiště pro vnitrostátní lety, nemocnice a restaurace. Představitelé bezpečnostních sil označili útok za teroristický.

Svědci zaznamenali střelbu z ručních zbraní a výbuchy granátů. V hotelích a na nádraží jsou údajně držené desítky rukojmích, teroristé prý speciálně vyhledávali lidi s americkými a britskými pasy.

Média oznámila, že zasaženy byly významné osoby místní policie - šéf protiteroristické jednotky Hemant Karkare, komisař Ašok Kamte a policejní odborník Vidžaj Salaskar. Elektronickou zprávou médiím se k útoku přihlásila dosud neznámá skupina Deccam Mudžahedín. Policie už zadržela první podezřelé, povětšinou muslimské, ale také hinduistické extrémisty. Do města se vrací ze služební cesty premiér státu Maháráštra Vilasrao Dešmuch.

Bombaj zažila teroristické útoky podobného rozsahu v roce 2006, kdy po bombových útocích na několik vlaků zahynulo na 190 osob.


Terroranschlagserie im indischen Mumbai kostete viele Menschenleben

Mumbai (Indien), 29.11.2008 – In Indien hat es seit Mittwoch, dem 26. November an mindestens zehn Stellen eine Serie von Terroranschlägen mit Geiselnahmen auf Hotels und andere öffentliche Einrichtungen gegeben. Möglicherweise wurden gezielt englischsprachige Touristen angegriffen: solche aus Großbritannien und den Vereinigten Staaten, da einige der Terroristen sich die Ausweise von Touristen in den betroffenen Hotels zeigen ließen. Mehrere Luxushotels, ein Kino und der Hauptbahnhof im südlichen Zentrum der Metropole Mumbai (Stadtteil Colaba) sind von Terroristen mit Schnellfeuergewehren und Handgranaten angegriffen worden. Der Fernsehsender CNN-IBN berichtete, eine Tankstelle in der Stadtmitte sei in die Luft gesprengt worden. Bei einer Schießerei am Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Hauptbahnhof) seien zehn Menschen getötet und mehr als 30 weitere verletzt worden, berichtete die Nachrichtenagentur Press Trust of India unter Berufung auf die Polizei.

Verschiedene Nachrichtensender sprachen zu Beginn davon, dass 78 Menschen umgekommen seien. Später wurde die Anzahl auf 150 korrigiert. Von der Polizei bestätigt wurden 125 Tote. Unter ihnen ist auch der ehemalige Vizepräsident von 1860 München und Schatzmeister der Münchner CSU, Ralph Burkei, der beim Fluchtversuch aus einem besetzen Hotel aus einem Fenster gestürzt war. Etwa 370 Menschen sollen verletzt worden sein.

Auch zwei Tage nach den Terrorattacken im indischen Mumbai befanden sich noch immer Geiseln in der Hand der Terroristen. Vermummte Polizisten einer speziellen Anti-Terror-Einheit hatten Stellung bezogen. Teilweise fanden Feuergefechte statt. Vor den Gebäuden waren Krankenwagen vorgefahren. Scharfschützen hatten sich auf den umliegenden Dächern postiert. Besonders im Blickpunkt stand dabei das Hotel „Oberoi“. Dort befanden sich am Donnerstag immer noch 100 bis 200 Menschen. In mindestens einem weiteren Hotel hatten Terroristen sich verschanzt und ebenfalls Geiseln genommen. Dort wurden bei einer Befreiungsaktion durch die indische Armee drei Terroristen getötet und neun festgenommen. 50 Gäste des Taj-Hotel konnten befreit werden. Nach mehreren Explosionen stand das vornehmlich bei den englischsprachigen Touristen beliebte Luxushotel teilweise in Flammen und wurde schwer beschädigt.

In einer Telefonschaltung äußerte der EU-Politiker Daniel Caspary am Tag nach den Anschlägen Bedauern über die Unmöglichkeit, die Stadt über die Luft zu verlassen.

60 Stunden nach Beginn der Terrorangriffe haben heute morgen indische Sicherheitskräfte nach eigenen Angaben auch die Lage im Hotel „Taj Mahal“ weitgehend unter Kontrolle gebracht. Das Hotel „Oberoi“ sowie das Nariman-Gebäude, in dem ein jüdisches Gemeindezentrum untergebracht ist, sollen bereits gestern nachmittag unter Kontrolle der Sicherheitskräfte gestanden haben. Bei der Erstürmung des Gemeindezentrums wurden die Attentäter getötet. Fünf der acht Geiseln wurden jedoch tot aufgefunden.  Die Bilanz der Befreiungsaktion in dem Oberoi-Hotel: 24 Leichen wurden in dem Hotel gefunden, zwei Terroristen getötet, und 143 Gäste konnten mit Bussen in Sicherheit gebracht werden. Bei der Erstürmung des Taj Mahal sollen mindestens drei Extremisten und ein Mitglied der Sicherheitskräfte getötet worden sein. Das teilte Leiter der Elitetruppen am heutigen Samstag mit.

Zu den Urhebern der in Indien verübten Anschläge gibt es bisher noch keine gesicherten Aussagen. Zwar bekannte sich am Donnerstag eine Gruppe namens „Deccan Mudschahedin“ per E-Mail zu den Anschlägen, diese Gruppe war bisher jedoch noch nicht in Erscheinung getreten. Medienberichten zufolge wird jedoch die islamistische Terrororganisation al-Qaida mit den Anschlägen in Indien in Verbindung gebracht. Experten wiesen auf den Umstand hin, dass die genaue generalstabsmäßige Koordinierung der zeitgleich an mehreren Orten verübten Anschläge auf al-Qaida hindeuteten. Auch die Tatsache, dass britische und US-amerikanische Staatsbürger bevorzugte Ziele waren, scheint diese Annahme zu bestätigen, wird berichtet. Die Londoner „Times“ berichtet unter Berufung auf britische und US-amerikanische Geheimdienstquellen über Warnungen von Geheimdiensten vor in naher Zukunft bevorstehenden Aktionen von al-Qaida in Indien. Die russische Nachrichtenagentur RIA Novosti bezieht sich auf Informationen aus Kreisen des russischen Geheimdienstes, wonach Verbindungen zum Terrornetzwerk al-Qaida bestätigt wurden. Nach Angaben eines Geheimdienstmitarbeiters seien Mitglieder der Gruppe Laschkar e-Taiba, die an den Anschlägen in Mumbai beteiligt waren, in al-Qaida-Trainingslagern ausgebildet worden.

In einem Gespräch zwischen einem Geiselnehmer und dem Fernsehsender India TV forderte ein Terrorist angeblich die Freilassung aller in Indien inhaftierten Islamisten. Wie die Nachrichtenagentur IANS meldete, sollen elf Extremisten getötet und ein weiterer festgenommen worden sein. Dieser hat der indischen Nachrichtenagentur NDTV zufolge behauptet, es seien etwa 40 Terroristen an der Aktion beteiligt gewesen. Von indischer Seite werden die Hintermänner der Aktion in Pakistan festgemacht. Die Nachbarstaaten sind beide atomar bewaffnet, bemühen sich allerdings weiterhin um Gespräche.

Als Reaktion auf die Anschläge hatte die Lufthansa am Donnerstag zwei Flüge nach Mumbai ersatzlos gestrichen. Am Donnerstagabend sollte jedoch noch eine Lufthansamaschine nach Mumbai mit Psychologen an Bord abheben, um eine Lufthansa-Besatzung zu betreuen. Die Crew war nach Angaben des ZDF im Hotel Oberoi untergebracht und soll verletzt worden sein. Sie konnte bei der Erstürmung des Oberoi-Trident-Hotels befreit werden.


Un centenar de muertos en Bombay en una escalada de ataques terroristas

26 de noviembre de 2008Nueva Delhi, India —

Un centenar de personas han sido asesinadas, y muchas más heridas, en lo que parece que han sido diversos ataques coordinados perpetrados por presuntos terroristas con armas automáticas y granadas de mano en Bombay, India. Los ataques comenzaron alrededor de las 11:00 horas GMT.

La mayoría de las informaciones señalan que habría 101 muertos, 280 heridos y entre 100 y 200 secuestrados. Entre los muertos se encuentran, según la policía, 6 extranjeros y algunos de los terroristas. La televisión india CNN-IBN, ha asegurado que el ejército ha detenido a una decena de terroristas. Los ataques han sido reivindicados por una organización islamista autodenominada Deccan Muyaidin, que ha pedido "que todos los muyahidines presos en India sean liberados, y sólo después, liberaremos a los secuestrados".

Los lugares de los ataques han sido la estación de ferrocarril Chhatrapati Shivaji, un hospital, una comisaría de policía y al menos tres hoteles, incluyendo Trident Oberoi -antiguo hotel Oberoi-, el Taj Mahal Palace & Tower y el Hotel Marriot. Las imágenes de televisión muestran el Taj Mahal Palace incendiado. En este último y en el Trident Oberoi se encuentran atrincherados los terroristas con los secuestrados.

Una representación del Parlamento Europeo, la Comisión de Comercio Internacional, se encontraban en el hotel Taj Mahal, cuando fue atacado. El eurodiputado conservador británico, Sajjad Karim -quien se encontraba en el vestíbulo cuando hombres armados abrieron fuego inicialmente allí-, el eurodiputado socialista alemán, Erika Mann y el eurodiputado español Ignasi Guardans Cambó señalaron que se habían refugiado en el interior del edificio. También se encontraba en el mismo hotel la presidenta de la Comunidad de Madrid (España), Esperanza Aguirre, que se refugió cerca de una playa y se encontraba a las 22:30, UTC, en el aeropuerto sana y salva, pendiente de salir de la zona.


Série d'attentats en Inde : Bombay sous le choc

Publié le 27 novembre 2008   Au moins 78 personnes ont été tuées et 200 autres blessées, mercredi soir, dans une série de tirs et d'explosions, en différents endroits de la ville de Bombay, en Inde.

Le Press Trust of India affirme qu'un groupe islamiste se faisant appeler les Moudjahidines du Deccan a revendiqué les attentats.

La capitale financière de l'Inde a été maintes fois la cible d'attaques. En juillet 2006, des attentats simultanés contre des trains de banlieue et des gares avaient fait plus de 200 morts.


India, attentati a Bombay

Alle 22.30 ora locale a Bombay (Mumbai), capitale finanziaria dell'India, è iniziata una serie di attacchi verso cittadini stranieri concentrati principalmente nel quartiere turistico e nella stazione ferroviaria.

Il più grave degli attacchi ha avuto luogo nella sala d'aspetto della stazione: uomini armati hanno sparato e lanciato granate contro la folla. Sono stati presi ostaggi negli hotel Oberoi, Taj Mahal e Trident. Ucciso il Rabbino della sede Lubavitch, insieme alla moglie.

Testimoni riferiscono che i terroristi cercano persone con passaporto britannico o statunitense. Il bilancio provvisorio è di 80 morti e 250 feriti.

Gli attentati sarebbero stati rivendicati dai Deccan Mujahideen, un'organizzazione finora sconosciuta.


Mumbai sieges come to an end

Police forces in India have ended the hostage sieges which followed the Mumbai attacks, which began on Wednesday in Mumbai, the financial capital of India.

It ended when commandos finally caught up with a lone gunman, who had played a cat-and-mouse game in the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, nearly 56 hours after the attacks began.

According to Indian television and radio, 155 people have been killed and 327 others wounded. Local media have described the attacks as "India's 9/11." CNN is reporting over 160 dead and 370 injured. Eleven gunmen killed are not counted in these totals.

Police say that they are in control of both the Taj Mahal and Oberoi Trident hotels. Nearly 300 people have been freed.

The siege of Nariman House, an outreach post of the orthodox-Jewish sect Chabad-Lubavitch, ended when at least eight Black Cats commandos entered the building by rope from a helicopter. No hostages or attackers survived the assault, though details are still unclear.

"These people were very, very familiar with the hotel layouts and it appears they had carried out a survey before," said an unidentified commander of MARCOS, India's elite marine commandos. The commandos were hampered because they feared injuring hotel guests if they used overwhelming force.

"Bodies were strewn all over the place, and there was blood everywhere," he said.

The commander also noted that his unit found a backpack belonging to one of the gunmen. Inside they found dried fruit, 400 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, four grenades, Indian rupees and American dollars, and seven credit cards from some of the world’s leading banks and a national ID card for the island nation of Mauritius.

"Once the bodies are collected, the number of deaths might go up to 200," said India's Minister of Home Affairs Sri Prakash Jaiswal.

"We came up against highly motivated terrorists," said Vice-Admiral J.S. Bedi, whose commandos led the assault against the militants.

India's foreign minister, Pranab Mukherjee, said, "Preliminary evidence indicates that elements with links to Pakistan are involved," stirring a diplomatic row between India and Pakistan. Observers have said that the attacks bear the hallmarks of Lashkar-e-Toiba or Jaish-e-Mohammed, both of which are believed to be based in Pakistan and also responsible for previous attacks on India.

However, Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousaf Raza Gillani said that Pakistan had "nothing to do with the attacks."

"It is unfair to blame Pakistan or Pakistanis for these acts of terrorism even before an investigation is undertaken," Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, said in a statement. "Instead of scoring political points at the expense of a neighboring country that is itself a victim of terrorism, it is time for India's leaders to work together with Pakistan's elected leaders in putting up a joint front against terrorism."


孟買剿恐落幕 60小時驚魂

平日繁華的亞洲大都會孟買，在恐怖襲擊的陰霾籠罩了兩天半之后，終於宣告落幕。隨著最后一名匿藏在泰姬陵酒店的恐怖分子在當地時間29日清晨被擊斃，印度反恐特種部隊指揮官J.K.Dutta將軍在泰姬陵酒店宣布：所有對恐怖分子的清剿行動已經成功結束。從襲擊開始到印度官方宣布行動勝利結束，總共約59小時。這59小時中，整個孟買城，乃至整個印度，都沉浸在恐慌和悲痛中。

雖然所有已知的恐怖分子都已經被清剿或者逮捕，但是激戰過后孟買的標誌性建筑泰姬陵酒店遭受過多次炸彈爆炸的痕跡卻依舊。這間印度人引以為傲的豪華酒店在CNN和IBN的聯合電視直播中看到被炸開天花板時，許多印度民眾亦不禁落淚。損失的規模至今仍然無法確切評估，但是至少174條生命被奪走，300多人受傷，已是永久無法彌補的傷痛。

這次恐怖襲擊更多的暴露了印度安全防衛體系的漏洞和不足。曾多次對付恐怖襲擊的孟買反恐特別部隊司令Hemant Karkare在襲擊一開始時就身中三槍陣亡，使印度軍方在對付突如其來的連環恐怖襲擊時顯得有些手足無措。雖然總體上來說印度反恐部隊在這次充滿極限的反恐行動中表現十分英勇，但是人們卻不禁質疑其平時的表現。亞太基金會的分析家薩迦·過赫爾甚至因此認為：20名抱著必死決心的武裝分子可以在阻止世界上任何一個地方發動恐怖襲擊。

《華爾街日報》今天更加報表一篇名為《孟買金融中心夢正在破滅》的社評，指出九一一發生之後的這幾年中，孟買一直受到投資者特別是華爾街大銀行的青睞，它們在當地的業務大幅擴充，使之有與同區的香港和新加坡一比高下的本錢和實力。但是這次襲擊確實會對印度經濟造成災難性的影響，投資者會認為印度政府無力控制局勢，他們在印度的人身和財產安全根本得不到保障，尤其是伊斯蘭極端主義者會特別針對外國人發動襲擊。


Murdoch drops BSkyB bid amid public, political pressure

News Corporation, owned by Rupert Murdoch, has made the decision to abandon a deal to take full control of broadcasting company BSkyB. The decision came amidst pressure from the British public and politicians, as British parliamentarians from the government and opposition parties prepared to vote in the House of Commons in London to urge Murdoch to drop the deal.

The Murdoch move followed a series of damaging revelations about alleged phone hacking offences by journalists at the News of the World, which published its last edition on July 10. Labour leader Ed Miliband said the decision was "a victory for people up and down this country who have been appalled by the revelations of the phone hacking scandal and the failure of News International to take responsibility".

Chase Carey, the president of News Corporation, said it would be "too difficult to progress in this climate." The corporation "remains a committed long-term shareholder in BSkyB," Carey said in a statement. "We are proud of the success it has achieved and our contribution to it."

Politicians from around the political spectrum have expressed their disapproval on Murdoch over the allegations of phone hacking and praised his decision to drop the deal, with Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister, saying the decision was "decent and sensible"; while Ivan Lewis, a senior Labour shadow minister, called the decision "a victory for the public of this country."


News Corp. ustoupila od převzetí společnosti BSkyB

Společnost News Corporation Ruperta Murdocha oznámila ve středu stažení nabídky na koupi majoritního podílu televizní společnosti BSkyB (British Sky Broadcasting). Učinila tak na základě tlaku ostatních médií a politiků po aféře s nelegálním odposloucháváním telefonů placeným bulvárním týdeníkem News of the World, který patří do skupiny médií News Corp. News Corp. dosud vlastní v BSkyB 40% podíl.

„Věříme, že by navržená akvizice BSkyB společností News Corporation prospěla oběma společnostem, ale jak se ukázalo, je v této atmosféře příliš složité v tom zdárně pokračovat,“ řekl zástupce šéfa News Corporation Chase Carey.

News Corp. ukončila 10. července vydávání bulvárních novin News of the World po medializované aféře, kdy redakce týdeníku platila soukromým detektivům, aby sledovali a odposlouchávali jak celebrity, tak oběti vážných trestných činů. Z toho důvodu byl odvolán tiskový mluvčí britského premiéra Andy Coulson, v letech 2003 až 2007 editor News of the World. Ten byl v pátek 8. července zatčen pro podezření ze spiknutí s cílem odposlouchávat komunikaci a korumpovat.

Krom toho vrchní manažeři čelí obvinění z narušování průběhu vyšetřování Scotland Yardu smazáním milionů inkriminujících emailů. Deník The Guardian naznačuje, že „obrovské množství“ smazaných emailů odhalovalo diskusi mezi novináři a editory.


تعطیلی شرکت BSkyB


Musharraf declares emergency rule in Pakistan

Pervez Musharraf has invoked emergency rule in Pakistan according to state television. Independent stations have gone off the air.

Reports say that police have surrounded the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while the judges are still inside. The court is deciding whether Musharraf was eligible to run in last month's election, which he won. The Supreme Court has stated that Musharraf does not have the authority to declare the state of emergency, which includes a suspension of the Constitution.

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who recently returned home, is currently out of the country, visiting family in Dubai.

Dawn News, a private television station in Pakistan had stated that sources said that a declaration of emergency rule was imminent. Dawn News and other private news organizations then went off the air. Some reports are also saying that land and cell lines into the capital are not functioning, but it is not clear if this is deliberate or is due to high traffic or some other concern.

Most other countries have responded negatively to this news. The United States said that it was "disappointed" by the move while the United Kingdom's foreign secretary said that it was vital that Pakistan "abides by the commitment to hold free and fair elections on schedule".


Pakistan: Musharraf verhängt Ausnahmezustand

Islamabad (Pakistan), 04.11.2007 – Der pakistanische Staats- und Armeechef Pervez Musharraf hat gestern den Ausnahmezustand über das Land verhängt und die Verfassung außer Kraft gesetzt. Außerdem wurde der Oberste Gerichtshof in Islamabad von paramilitärischen Einheiten, die laut AFP dem Innenministerium unterstellt sind, und einigen Dutzend Polizisten umstellt. Der Sendebetrieb von privaten Fernsehsendern wurde eingestellt, auch die meisten Telefonleitungen sind tot. Im ganzen Land soll es mehrere Festnahmen gegeben haben. Laut „Geo TV“, einem privaten Fernsehsender wurde unter anderem der Präsident der „Supreme Court Bar association“, einer Juristenvereinigung inhaftiert.

Der Entscheidung, den Ausnahmezustand zu verhängen, ging eine außerordentliche Sitzung, an der neben Musharraf Minister und Vertreter von Armee und Polizei teilgenommen hatten, voran. Staatliche Medien nannten als Grund für die Verhängung des Ausnahmezustandes die zunehmende Gewalt in dem Land durch radikale Gruppen. Einen der größten Terroranschläge, bei dem 136 Menschen getötet worden waren, hatte es zuletzt im Oktober bei der Rückkehr der ehemaligen Regierungschefin Benazir Bhutto nach Pakistan gegeben. Viele Anschläge in Pakistan gehen auf das Konto des islamistischen Terrornetzwerks al-Qaida und der Taliban.

In einer Fernsehansprache am Abend rechtfertigte Musharraf die Verhängung des Ausnahmezustandes mit einer terroristischen Bedrohung des Landes. Nach seinen Worten stehe das Land „am Rande der Destabilisierung“. Für die Lähmung der Regierung machte er auch eine Einmischung der Justiz verantwortlich. In seiner in englischer Sprache gehaltenen Ansprache wandte er sich an den Westen, die Verhängung des Ausnahmezustandes diene dazu, den Übergang zur Demokratie abzuschließen: „Erwarten Sie bitte nicht Ihr Niveau von Demokratie, das Sie über Jahrhunderte hinweg erlernt haben. Bitte geben Sie uns Zeit.“

Als Grund für den gewählten Zeitpunkt, an dem der Ausnahmezustand verhängt wurde, wird von politischen Beobachtern darauf hingewiesen, dass die Amtszeit Musharrafs am 15. November offiziell enden sollte. Die Wiederwahl Musharrafs am 6. Oktober war von der Opposition angefochten worden. Der Oberste Gerichtshof sollte darüber entscheiden, ob seine Kandidatur rechtens war. Eine Rolle spielte bei dieser Entscheidung, dass Musharraf gleichzeitig Staatspräsident und Militäroberbefehlshaber ist. Wie bekannt wurde, soll Richter Iftikhar Chaudhry am Obersten Gerichtshof von seinem Amt entbunden werden. „Al Jazeera“ berichtet, dass Chaudhry unter Hausarrest gestellt und durch einen anderen Richter ersetzt wurde. Es wird damit gerechnet, dass nun auch die Parlamentswahlen im Januar nicht stattfinden werden. Pervez Musharraf war 1999 durch einen Militärputsch an die Macht gekommen.

Vor zwei Tagen war die gerade nach Pakistan zurückgekehrte Benazir Bhutto zu ihrer Familie nach Dubai (Vereinigte Arabische Emirate) geflogen. Sie erklärte, die unsichere politische Lage habe sie zu diesem Schritt bewogen. Nachdem zunächst ein Sprecher ihrer Pakistanischen Volkspartei (PPP) in Dubai erklärt hatte, sie könne wegen des Ausnahmezustandes vorerst nicht nach Pakistan zurückreisen, liegen dem Tagesspiegel Informationen vor, wonach Bhutto „nach Pakistan zurückkommen und sich am Sonntag zur Situation äußern“ werde.

Die US-Außenministerin Condoleezza Rice, die sich zurzeit in Istanbul aufhält, wo sie an der internationalen Irak-Konferenz teilnimmt, nannte die Verhängung des Ausnahmezustandes in Pakistan „höchst bedauerlich“.


Pakistan: il presidente Musharraf dichiara lo stato di emergenza

Il presidente pakistano, generale Pervez Musharraf, ha imposto al Paese lo stato di emergenza, mentre la televisione pubblica ha dichiarato che la Costituzione è stata sospesa. La decisione sarebbe da ricondurre alla recente ondata di violenze e attentati che hanno colpito il Paese, unico islamico a possedere la bomba atomica, ma anche al fatto che la Corte Suprema del Pakistan avrebbe deciso che le ultime elezioni presidenziali, in cui Musharraf è stato rieletto a grande maggioranza, non sarebbero legittime, in quanto Musharraf, dopo otto anni di potere, veste ancora l'incarico di generale. La Corte Suprema avrebbe dovuto riunirsi entro lunedì e decidere entro il 12 di questo mese (tre giorni prima della scadenza del mandato di Musharraf).

Truppe paramilitari sono entrate nella sede della Corte Suprema e hanno bloccato le principali arterie stradali della zona, di fatto isolandola. Questo mentre otto giudici della Corte Suprema dichiaravano illegittimo lo stato di emergenza. Destituito il presidente della Corte, Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudry,  il cui posto è ora occupato da un fedele del presidente Musharraf, Hamed Dogar. Chaudry era già stato destituito una prima volta a marzo, ma si era fatto reinsediare, diventando un leader di fatto dell'opposizione al presidente.

Intanto l'ex primo ministro, Benazir Bhutto, che si trovava a Dubai, India presso la sua famiglia, ha deciso di rientrare immediatamente in patria. Con questa mossa, Musharraf interrompe di fatto la collaborazione con Bhutto, iniziata con il ritorno in patria di quest'ultima e  caldeggiata da Stati Uniti d'America e Unione Europea al fine di completare la transizione democratica del Paese. Ora si teme che la decisione porterà a una nuova crisi di stabilità.


Prezydent Pakistanu wprowadził stan wyjątkowy

W Pakistanie wprowadzono dziś stan wyjątkowy. Poinformowała o tym państwowa telewizja. Policja otoczyła siedzibę Sądu Najwyższego, który miał w poniedziałek zdecydować, czy prezydent ma prawo sprawować swój urząd. Sędziowie, uwięzieni w budynku, natychmiast ogłosili, że stan wyjątkowy jest nielegalny. Prezydent Pervez Musharraf stwierdził, że nie są już potrzebne usługi uwięzionych sędziów.

Pervez Musharraf ma jeszcze dzisiaj wystąpić z orędziem do narodu.
Władze zablokowały sygnał kilku stacji telewizyjnych po tym jak Imran Khan, jeden z liderów opozycji zaapelował o wyjście na ulice w proteście przeciwko posunięciom rządu. W kilku miastach zagłuszono również sygnał telefonii komórkowej.

Głównym powodem takich działań jest prawdopodobnie zbrojna rebelia islamskich rewolucjonistów. Jednak w wielu komentarzach jest powtarzane to, że takie działanie jak stan wyjątkowy jest wymierzone w głównej mierze w demokratyczną opozycję. Na razie nie podano oficjalnych przyczyn wprowadzenia stanu wyjątkowego.

Pakistan to państwo w południowej części Azji, położone nad Morzem Arabskim.


MV Sirius Star oil tanker released by pirates

Somali pirates have released the MV Sirius Star, the biggest ship ever hijacked, after a ransom payment was made. Five pirates drowned while leaving the 330 metre oil tanker.

The vessel was hijacked 500 miles from the Kenyan coast on November 15 with two million barrels of crude oil, worth $100 million. It was then anchored off the coast of Somalia at Haradhere, a coastal town used by pirates.

It was released yesterday after a ransom of $3 million was paid by owner Saudi Aramco, significantly less than the $25 million originally demanded. After the money was parachuted in the pirates left the vessel, with all 25 crew unharmed. However, one pirate boat carrying eight pirates and some of the money capsized on its way to shore due to rough weather, and five of the occupants drowned.

The Sirius Star, which had been taking oil from Saudi Arabia to the United States, headed to Kenya after release. It anchored in deep waters, and a smaller boat took the crew to shore at Mombasa.

The pirate faction involved, one of at least five in the Gulf of Aden, is called the Central Regional Coastguard (CRC). The CRC is also holding Ukranian arms ship MV Faina, with a cargo of 33 T-72 tanks, two cargo ships from Turkey and tugs from Indonesia and Nigeria. Negotiations for the release of all these ships are said to be near to completion.

Also released Friday was the Hong Kong-registered MV Delight, an Iranian-chartered vessel carrying 36,000 tons of wheat and a crew of 25. It is unclear if any ransom was paid for the ship, seized in November. The crew are in good health and the cargo ship is headed to a port in Iran.


Somalische Piraten ertrinken mit Lösegeld

Mogadischu (Somalia), 12.01.2009 – Einige der somalischen Piraten, die den Supertanker „Sirius Star“ unter ihrer Kontrolle hatten, konnten sich nicht lange über ihren Anteil am Lösegeld freuen. Ein Motorboot, auf dem sich nach Angaben des Piratenchef Mohamed Said 300.000 US-Dollar befunden haben sollen, ist gekentert. Sechs Piraten sind dabei ertrunken.

Nach dem Eingang des Lösegeldes, das mit einem Fallschirm über dem Schiff abgeworfen wurde, hatten die Piraten das Schiff freigegeben. Nach Angaben informierter Kreise betrug das Lösegeld drei Millionen Dollar.

Auch der iranische Frachter „Delight“ wurde am 9. Januar freigegeben. Es ist nicht bekannt, ob dazu ein Lösegeld bezahlt wurde. Piraten hatten 2008 vor der somalischen Küste über 100 Schiffe angegriffen, und ein Großteil davon konnte gekapert werden. Das gesamte gezahlte Lösegeld für die Freigabe dieser Schiffe soll rund 120 Millionen US-Dollar betragen. Unter der Gewalt der Piraten befinden sich derzeit 14 Schiffe mit etwa 300 Besatzungsmitgliedern an Bord.


Natalee Holloway's mother prepares civil lawsuit against Joran van der Sloot

Beth Twitty, missing U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway's mother, is preparing a civil lawsuit against Joran van der Sloot, major suspect in the teenager's death. On her behalf, Dutch lawyer Bram Moszkowicz is investigating whether Van der Sloot can be charged with unlawful action.

Twitty's civil claim follows the Curaçao's court decision that Joran van der Sloot will not be arrested again. The investigation to what happened with Natalee Holloway, and Van der Sloot's role in that matter will be continued, but the secret tapes presented by crime reporter Peter R. de Vries are not sufficient for a new arrest.

Moszkowicz claims that there are two reasons for starting a civil procedure: first there is the shock after Van der Sloot's confessions, and second his keeping silent on the details. Twitty compares this case to that against O.J. Simpson, who was never convicted in a criminal case, but was convicted to pay damages in civil court.

The chances that Van der Sloot will be convicted in a criminal case are getting smaller. "I think the criminal investigation comes to an end," says Moszkowicz, "That does not mean that I understand, or agree with that".


Joran van der Sloot mogelijk burgerrechtelijk vervolgd

De moeder van de in 2005 verdwenen Amerikaanse scholiere Natalee Holloway, Beth Twitty, heeft conctact gezocht met de bekende Nederlandse advocaat Bram Moszkowicz. Ze wil namelijk proberen Joran van der Sloot via het burgerlijk recht aan te pakken. Ze nam dit besluit nadat de Arubaanse gerechtelijke autoriteiten hadden besloten Van der Sloot niet opnieuw in hechtenis te nemen ondanks zijn uitlatingen in het op 3 februari uitgezonden tv-programma Peter R. de Vries, misdaadverslaggever. Het waarheidsgehalte van zijn in het geheim gefilmde 'bekentenis' is twijfelachtig daar hij later alles ontkende en omdat de vriend die hem zou hebben geholpen bij het in zee dumpen van het lichaam van Holloway destijds helemaal niet op Aruba is geweest. Ook ontbreekt het aan meer bewijs. De gerechtelijke autoriteiten twijfelen voorts aan de geestelijke gesteldheid van Van der Sloot maar blijven hem wel verdenken.

In een tv-zending van NOVA op 15 februari deelde Moszkowicz mee dat hij gaat bekijken of Van der Sloot zich schuldig heeft gemaakt aan een zogeheten onrechtmatige daad. Hij denkt dat daarvoor twee zaken in aanmerking komen, namelijk dat Van der Sloot niet aan de politie had verteld wat er met Holloway in die bewuste nacht in 2005 was gebeurd, en dat de moeder van Holloway tot haar grote ontsteltenis pas in de tv-uitzending van Peter R. de Vries moest horen hoe alles zou zijn verlopen. Een mogelijk hieruit voortvloeiende burgerrechtelijke rechtszaak zal in Nederland worden gevoerd. Moszkowicz denkt dat een strafrechtelijke vervolging weinig kans van slagen heeft.

De vader van Natalee Holloway, Dave Holloway, denkt erover in de Verenigde Staten een burgerrechtelijke procedure tegen Joran van der Sloot te beginnen, zo liet hij in een tv-uitzending van EénVandaag op 15 februari weten.


Nation mourns, world condemns Taliban attack on Pakistan army school

In the wake of Tuesday's high-school attack by the Pakistani Taliban (TTK) on an army public school, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a three-day period of official mourning. In addition to condemnation from world leaders — who include UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, and Deputy director David Griffiths of Amnesty International — news agency Reuters are reporting the Afghan Taliban have also issued a statement condemning the attack.

The statement carried by Reuters, claiming to be from Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, reads: "The intentional killing of innocent people, children and women are against the basics of Islam and this criteria has to be considered by every Islamic party and government." Tuesday's attack on the Army Public School in Pakistan's north-western city of Peshawar claimed the lives of 132 children, and nine staff from the school.

Official reports, following police and military action against the attackers, insist seven people took part in the school attack; although a statement, issued by the TTK, insists there were only six, their targets being older pupils. The attack began in the mid morning local time, with the assailants observed entering the compound wearing suicide vests. Shortly thereafter, shots were heard with survivors reporting the gunmen were shooting people indiscriminately, going from classroom to classroom, killing teachers and students as they found them.

The massacre sparked a public outcry, both national and international; which, press speculate, led to the TTK stressing the intent to only target older students at the army school.

Turkey announced one day of national mourning. Described as impossible to justify and "blood-curdling" by the UN Secretary-General, EU Parliamentary President Schulz labelled the attack "abominable and cowardly [demonstrating] the inhuman attitude of the Taliban, their inhuman ideology, their remorseless fanaticism", and Indian Nobel Prize-winner Kailash Satyarthi, condemned the attackers as "enemies of Allah" and stated:  "The militants, be they Taliban or any other militants, who kill children, are the enemies of humanity. This attack is a blot on humanity".

In addition to a three-day period of national mourning, President Sharif reintroduced Pakistan's death penalty.