Turkish court jails mayor of opposition-run Adana pending trial as crackdown widens
Adana Mayor Zeydan Karalar was detained on Saturday as part of a corruption probe into opposition-run municipalities, which has expanded dramatically from its roots in Istanbul.
In March, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, was also jailed pending trial over corruption charges.
As part of the widening crackdown, a separate court ruled to put under house arrest, pending trial, the mayor of the southern city of Adiyaman, Abdurrahman Tutdere.
The mayor of the district of Manavgat in the southern resort province of Antalya was also jailed pending trial over suspected bribery and corruption charges. The Interior Ministry later said the mayor had been suspended from his duty over the arrest.
All the mayors, from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), have denied the charges against them. The CHP, some Western countries and rights groups have called the arrests part of a politicised attempt by the government to remove electoral threats against Erdogan.
Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, also from the CHP, said after the arrest of Karalar that the mayor's arrest was "part of different calculations" and not a sound legal process.
"We are not against prosecution. However, we want a fair, independent and unbiased prosecution. Because the law does not bend or twist according to the time or politics," he said on X.
The government denies influencing the judiciary and says the courts operate independently to investigate a ring of corruption at the municipalities.
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Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Newsweek
NATO Ally Bordering Russia Withdraws From International Weapons Treaty
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Finland has formally notified the United Nations (U.N.) of its intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of antipersonnel land mines, according to Reuters—a move that several European allies have made in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Newsweek reached out to NATO via email outside of normal business hours on Friday night for comment. Why It Matters The move by Finland, a country sharing an 830-mile border with Russia, highlights growing apprehension in Eastern Europe due to the heightened threat of Russian invasion. Finland joined NATO after decades of holding a position of neutrality between the alliance and Russia, but changed course following the invasion of Ukraine. In a joint statement earlier this year, Poland and the Baltic defense ministers said their decision would send "a clear message: Our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom." The Ottawa Convention, which took effect in 1999, requires signatory states to ban the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of antipersonnel mines. Finland's withdrawal was announced as regional partners—including Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—also indicated their exit amid fears of Russia's military actions following its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, international watchdog Landmine Monitor reported that Russia and other countries had actively used land mines in recent conflicts. At least 5,757 people were killed or wounded by the mines and unexploded ordnance in the past year, most of whom were civilians—including significant numbers of children. Finnish Prime Minister Antti Petteri Orpo is pictured in Brussels on June 26. Finnish Prime Minister Antti Petteri Orpo is pictured in Brussels on June 26. Martin Bertrand/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Finland's Parliament voted for withdrawal in June and notified U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres of its intent in July, in accordance with treaty provisions, according to Reuters. Guterres, in a statement to the fifth review of the Mine Ban Treaty, called on states and signatories to "meet their obligations and ensure compliance to the convention, while addressing humanitarian and developmental impacts through financial and technical support." Pope Francis, who died in April, had also joined calls for nations to end production and use of land mines, warning of their long-term impact on civilians. This regional trend gathered pace in March, when Poland and the Baltic states declared their intention to leave the Ottawa Convention due to perceived new threats along NATO's eastern flank. Poland has proposed turning its border with Russia into a minefield and has begun preparations to produce antipersonnel mines domestically. Eastern European leaders argue that remaining in the convention is no longer tenable while facing adversaries unconstrained by the treaty. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently signed a decree to withdraw from the treaty as well, citing Russian "armed aggression" as forcing a political reassessment. What People Are Saying Polish and Baltic defense ministers in a joint statement issued in March: "With this decision, we are sending a clear message: Our countries are prepared and can use every necessary measure to defend our territory and freedom." Guterres in December said: "I call on states parties to meet their obligations and ensure compliance to the convention, while addressing humanitarian and developmental impacts through financial and technical support. "I also encourage all states that have not yet acceded to the convention to join the 164 that have done so. A world without antipersonnel mines is not just possible. It is within reach." What Happens Next Finland will fully terminate its obligations under the Ottawa Convention after the requisite waiting period. The international community will be monitoring how these policy changes affect military postures across NATO's eastern flank as the war in Ukraine continues. This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Time Business News
8 hours ago
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Disappearing in Southeast Asia: How to Start a New Life Legally
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Southeast Asia has become one of the most viable regions in the world for individuals seeking to start a new life legally. Whether you are escaping harassment, rebuilding after public scrutiny, or simply starting over after a business failure, the nations of Southeast Asia offer a unique combination of residency flexibility, affordable living, and privacy protections that make lawful identity transformation both accessible and sustainable. Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in legal identity change and relocation services, has documented a 41% increase in clients relocating to Southeast Asia in 2024 alone. Countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are proving to be safe havens for those who wish to disappear legally—not criminally—and begin again under a new legal framework. This guide outlines the legal process of disappearing in Southeast Asia, the best jurisdictions to consider, and how to avoid potential legal missteps along the way. Why Southeast Asia? Privacy Meets Opportunity Southeast Asia is an ideal location for legal reinvention for the following reasons: Visa-friendly nations offering long-term stay options offering long-term stay options Inexpensive cost of living that supports quiet rebuilding that supports quiet rebuilding Relaxed banking and registration frameworks Limited biometric surveillance in many jurisdictions in many jurisdictions Lack of aggressive data-sharing agreements with Western nations Many Amicus clients who move to Southeast Asia are not fleeing justice—they are reclaiming autonomy from overexposure, financial fallout, or reputational damage. What Makes a Legal Disappearance in Southeast Asia Possible? To disappear legally, an individual must: Use court-sanctioned name change procedures in a recognized jurisdiction Obtain valid residency and/or second citizenship Close out legal obligations from their former identity Rebuild financial and digital presence under the new credentials Remain fully compliant with the laws of both the origin and host countries Appropriately done, legal disappearance is not a crime—it's a reset. Step 1: Legal Name Change in a Recognized Jurisdiction While most Southeast Asian countries do not allow foreign nationals to change their names locally, name change can be completed before arriving, in places such as: Belize (affidavit-based and discreet) (affidavit-based and discreet) New Zealand (highly respected) (highly respected) Canada or the UK (with public notice, where applicable) or the (with public notice, where applicable) Dominica or St. Kitts (as part of the CBI process) Once the name change is completed, individuals can travel, apply for visas, and register businesses in Southeast Asia using their new legal identity. Step 2: Entry and Long-Term Stay Options in Southeast Asia Southeast Asia offers numerous legal visas for long-term stay. The most common include: Retirement Visas Thailand: O-A and O-X Visas for those 50+ Malaysia: MM2H Program for retirees with stable income Indonesia: KITAS for retirees with proof of funds Investment and Business Visas Cambodia: Renewable E-class business visa with minimal paperwork Vietnam: Investment visas for company formation Laos: Long-term investor visas Digital Nomad or Special Talent Visas Malaysia: DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass Thailand: Smart Visa for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs Indonesia: Upcoming remote worker permits (B211A) Residency under a new name allows applicants to register new tax IDs, open bank accounts, rent or buy property, and live freely under their new legal identity. Step 3: Financial Reinvention—The Legal Way To avoid penalties or allegations of fraud, financial transitions must be handled carefully. This includes: Closing or migrating prior financial accounts Establishing new banking relationships in Southeast Asia Reporting changes to tax authorities if required Avoiding blocked financial jurisdictions Top financial hubs in the region include: Malaysia – English-language banking system, reputable compliance – English-language banking system, reputable compliance Singapore – High security but tight KYC; recommended for professionals – High security but tight KYC; recommended for professionals Cambodia – Liberal banking policies, USD-based accounts – Liberal banking policies, USD-based accounts Philippines – Remote account opening and offshore structuring possible Amicus guides clients through the process of legally moving assets and re-establishing wealth without drawing attention from regulators. Case Study 1: The Canadian Developer Who Vanished in Vietnam After years of litigation and online smears from a failed tech venture, a Canadian software developer chose to dissolve their company legally. With Amicus's help: He legally changed his name in Belize Entered Vietnam on a long-term business visa Opened new bank accounts using his updated credentials Built a coding consultancy with no links to his past Deactivated and erased hundreds of online mentions through takedown requests Today, he runs his company in Da Nang and lives completely under his new, lawful identity. Case Study 2: The Divorcee Who Rebuilt in Cambodia A woman from the UK left a high-profile divorce with media fallout and financial ruin. Seeking peace, she: Legally changed her name via a UK court order Moved to Phnom Penh on a renewable E-class visa Started a boutique wellness business Opened accounts at ABA Bank under her new name Re-established a digital footprint with clean branding Now, she lives quietly in Cambodia, fully legal and financially independent. Step 4: Digital Erasure and Privacy Protection Disappearing legally in Southeast Asia also means disappearing digitally. Amicus supports: Full GDPR and CCPA data removal requests Suppression of online articles via SEO reversals Social media takedowns and facial recognition opt-outs Email, phone, and public registry anonymization Deep scan removals from data broker platforms While Southeast Asia has minimal regional enforcement of Western privacy laws, global deindexing still ensures local anonymity. Step 5: Social Reintegration and Legal Lifestyle Structuring A new identity needs to be socially and legally integrated. Amicus provides: Coaching on building a credible new backstory Assistance with employer references, lease agreements, and healthcare enrollment Community introductions in safe expat or blended local enclaves Psychological support during the transition This ensures the change is not just legal, but livable. Expert Interview: How Legal Is It to Start Over in Southeast Asia? Q: Can I disappear in Southeast Asia without breaking the law? A: Absolutely. If you enter into legal documents, register under your new name, and disclose everything truthfully to local authorities, you are fully compliant. Q: Are facial recognition and surveillance an issue? A: Only in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, surveillance remains minimal, particularly in rural or secondary cities. Q: Will local banks and landlords accept my new name? A: Yes, as long as the documents match. Most countries accept foreign-issued name changes if they're notarized and translated. Q: What if someone from my past finds me? A: Legal identity change and digital suppression dramatically reduce risk. Amicus helps ensure your past is nearly impossible to trace online or through systems. Best Countries in Southeast Asia for Legal Disappearance Cambodia – Minimal surveillance, flexible business visas Vietnam – Quiet cities like Da Nang are perfect for privacy seekers Malaysia – Good infrastructure and supportive digital nomad laws Indonesia – Island life with limited biometric enforcement Laos – Low-cost living and limited digital integration Thailand – Viable for some, though more surveillance in Bangkok Each of these countries allows foreign nationals to build lives under new legal identities, provided all documents are in order and no local laws are violated. Amicus International's Role in Southeast Asia Disappearances Amicus offers: Name change coordination and verification Visa application and legal residency setup Financial account structuring and migration Digital erasure and privacy protection Cross-jurisdiction compliance monitoring Psychological and relocation support services With 20+ years of experience, Amicus remains the gold standard for lawful identity reinvention worldwide. Conclusion: Disappearing Legally in Southeast Asia Is Possible You don't have to commit fraud or fake your death to start over. In 2025, disappearing legally in Southeast Asia is a viable, lawful, and empowering path to personal freedom and reinvention. With expert support, the right legal strategy, and a jurisdiction that values discretion, you can build a brand-new life with no penalties, no fear, and no traces. Contact InformationPhone: +1 (604) 200-5402Email: info@ Website:
Wall Street Journal
11 hours ago
- Wall Street Journal
A Second Push for Mike Lee's Land Sales
Getting the GOP's disagreeing factions to yes on the final 'big beautiful bill' was no easy feat, and negotiations always involve trade-offs. But a good policy idea that Republicans shouldn't leave on the cutting room floor forever was Utah Sen. Mike Lee's plan to sell a sliver of federal land to states and developers who commit to build homes. Maybe there's a deregulatory approach. Mr. Lee's proposal was axed, making the reconciliation package less big and less beautiful, after a group of GOP Senators came out against it. 'We do NOT support the sale of our public land to the highest bidder,' fumed Idaho Sen. Jim Risch. Like Mr. Risch, most of the critics are from Western states where the federal government owns between 29% and 80% of the land, though Mr. Lee is also from out West.
