Former US President Donald Trump is facing new charges in a classified documents case related to Mar-a-Lago, his private resort.
The revised indictment accuses Trump of pressuring an employee to delete security camera footage from Mar-a-Lago. The charges include three new counts, one for wilful retention of defense information and two for obstruction. Additionally, Mar-a-Lago staff member Carlos de Oliveira has also been indicted in connection with the case.
The court documents reveal alleged efforts between Trump’s close aide, Walt Nauta, and Carlos de Oliveira to obstruct the Justice Department’s investigation. They are accused of conspiring to delete surveillance footage from security cameras after the Department of Justice issued a subpoena seeking footage of the basement where confidential documents were supposedly kept.
According to the court documents, de Oliveira texted another employee, the director of information technology, instructing them to delete the server as per Trump’s request. When the employee expressed that he lacked the authority to do so, de Oliveira allegedly pressured him into complying. The indictment describes a scene where Nauta and de Oliveira navigated through bushes and foliage to reach the IT room.
The updated indictment also alleges that Trump knowingly discussed a top-secret document with biographers visiting Mar-a-Lago. The document supposedly contained plans for a potential attack on “Country A,” identified by outlets as Iran. Trump allegedly showed this document to one of his guests during the interview.
The charges are being led by special prosecutor Jack Smith, who also met with Trump’s lawyers for a separate investigation into alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s legal team received no indication of the timing for any indictment related to that case.
Trump dismissed the fresh charges in an emailed statement from his 2024 presidential campaign, claiming that they were part of an “illegal witch hunt” led by Jack Smith. These new charges add to Trump’s growing list of legal troubles, including facing trial for a hush-money case, civil charges in a defamation case, and the possibility of charges from Georgia prosecutors related to the alleged election result overturn effort.
Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.
Tensions in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of a mother by a U.S. Immigration agent. The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest as public anger continues to mount.
State and federal officials are now at odds over the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has stepped back after the FBI assumed control, while the state attorney general has warned that state-level charges could still be pursued independently. The political divide adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
In response to the protests, schools in Minneapolis have closed and the National Guard has been activated to maintain order. Citizens are being urged to stay safe as tensions remain high and the city braces for further demonstrations.
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Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.
Protests are spreading across Iran after the country’s currency suffered a dramatic collapse, pushing inflation to more than 42 percent in December. Rising prices are squeezing household budgets, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Iranians.
What began as frustration over the cost of living has quickly grown into widespread public anger, as families struggle to keep up with soaring expenses amid a weakening rial and economic uncertainty.
These economic pressures have become the catalyst for demonstrations across major cities, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest linked directly to inflation in recent years.
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PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders
In Short:
– Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, led by Virginia Bell.
– The inquiry aims to foster unity in Australia amid rising tensions and concerns from various community groups.
Anthony Albanese has initiated a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion following mounting pressure.
The inquiry, announced in Canberra, will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, despite opposition from some Jewish groups.The Prime Minister stated the need for a royal commission was essential for promoting unity within Australia, particularly after engaging with families of Bondi attack victims and the Jewish community.
He confirmed discussions with NSW Premier Chris Minns and expects the single commission to run over the next 12 months, with further comments from Mr Minns anticipated soon.
The prime minister has been asked if he’s still worried a royal commission would fuel antisemitism.Anthony Albanese insists he doesn’t want the inquiry to weaken social cohesion.
“The royal commissioner will bear in mind how hearings are conducted in the processes of their conduct,” Albanese says.
“We have been working on this for weeks. I have been engaged with the community.”
The prime minister was questioned about whether it was a mistake to reject calls for a royal commission into antisemitism.Following the Bondi terror attack, the federal government faced pressure to establish such a commission.
Anthony Albanese stated that the government has implemented various measures within the 25 days following the attack.
“We have increased funding for security agencies. We have had daily briefings of the National Security Committee,” Albanese says.
“The Commonwealth have particular resources and one of the groups and individuals I’ve spoken to as well have been people outside of New South Wales,” he says.
Highly-respected former High Court judge Justice Virginia Margaret Bell is the PM’s pick to lead the royal commission.
Sustained advocacy
This decision comes after sustained advocacy from various groups, including victims’ families, former leaders, and prominent figures across sectors.
Over recent weeks, Albanese and his team had put forth several arguments against a royal commission, such as concerns over divisiveness and potential exposure of sensitive information.
Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association has suggested that a broader inquiry into all forms of “minority religion” discrimination is needed, expressing wariness within the Muslim community regarding the federal inquiry’s focus.
Broad Support
A significant number of community and cultural organisations back a royal commission addressing social tensions and discrimination related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In support of this sentiment, nearly 50 diaspora and faith groups released an open letter urging a thorough examination of rising anti-Semitism and related issues following the Bondi Beach terror attack.